So, I was watching some recap of this year's IronMan in Kona, HI and was so moved by the stories. (no, not moved enough to actually try to compete in one... i'm not insane!!!)
There was this one story of a 76 year-old nun (yeah, that's right, kiddies... SEVENTY-SIX!!!) who was competing in her 20th IronMan. She put people like me - nearly 50 years her minor - to shame. You could see in her eyes and spirit that she had LIVED this life she was given... and more importantly, she had enjoyed it! She ran the race with no other motivation than to beat her biggest adversary... herself.
I'm sure there were TONS of others like her with similarly inspiring stories, but the one that hit me the hardest (yes, that means I cried!) was the story of a guy who suffers from ALS (aka Lou Gherig's).
He ran the IM2005 last year, knowing in his heart that if he wanted to do it, he'd better do it that year. He said that he'd complete it - even if it meant that someone would have to roll him across the finishline b/c he foresaw that he'd never get the chance to do so again. And he was right. Just 12 months after running the race, Mr. Blais (or "Blazeman" as he's so affectionately called) was/is wheelchair-bound.
A teacher from Chicago by the name of Brian Green (who had never met Mr. Blais) was so inspired by his story that he - a self-proclaimed average, unathletic guy - decided he would compete in this year's race FOR Mr. Blais and for all victims of ALS. He tracked down Blazeman and a deep friendship was formed. Green finished the race, carrying the same flag Blais held as he rolled himself across the finishline. He (and other racers who had met and/or heard of Blais' story) rolled across the finishline as well to show Blazeman their support and admiration.
Mr. Blais will most likely be gone when IronMan2007 rolls around. But, he'll leave a legacy behind. He's touched thousands of people worldwide with his story and has done what he saught out to do - to bring awareness to ALS.
Like, the individuals in these stories, we, too, are running a race. Ours, however, is not one where the end goal is clearly in view. There are obstacles - summits and valleys so steep that it seems impossible to tarry on. We battle ourselves and all that this world tells us is worthy to pursue. But I believe there's something more... more worthy and satisfying than ANYTHING life throws at us. And, yes, there will be moments (like now) when I feel defeated... overwhelmed by the mountains before me, but I know that there is One who has ran and CONQUERED this race for me. He holds my hand firmly in His and assures me that He won't let go... even when my grip starts to loosen.
So, I will run this race for Him, my Great Champion and my biggest fan.
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3
