It was Fall 1992. I was getting ready to start my freshman year at Vallivue High School. I was a bit too skinny to do well at organized football, and our school didn't have a soccer team. My dad said, "Why don't you give Cross Country a try? You'll be able to get in shape to play baseball." Well, I had no idea what I was getting into, but that's when I visited Coach Gary Ward's office and became a runner for the rest of my life.
I'm pretty sure that the Apostle Paul was also a runner. He had all the characteristics that are needed to be a good runner: discipline, dedication, and lack of fear. He learned to press on whatever the circumstances, and he knew where his strength came from. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13) Whether he was doing a difficult hill workout or witnessing to people in prison, this determined mindset kept Paul going, even when it would have been easier to give up!
When we were in the USA this past month, my family bought me a gift certificate to buy some running gear. Anyone who runs knows that, when you go out, you want to make sure that you only carry exactly what you need. Running companies are always developing shoes, shorts, jackets, etc. that are ounces lighter than the models before. It's also a good idea to minimize the ounces that I'm carrying around my belly by eating a smart diet. The writer of Hebrews knew about getting rid of dead weight. We're not 100% sure about whether or not Paul wrote the book of Hebrews, but I think it must have been either Paul or his running partner. "Therefore, 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2) Not only did he cut out all extra weights, the author had his sights set on the Prize!
God has taught me many great lessons through many years of tough running. Every runner who ran cross country while Coach Ward was at the helm knows of the famous Airport Hill workout. Every year, Coach would take his runners there one time for a super-tough workout, the most difficult practice of the season. It's steep, it's dusty, and it's hot. I experienced pure jubilation when I finished that workout during my senior year, knowing that I would never have to torture myself on the hill's ridiculous grade ever again. Thankfully, I had a smart coach who knew better. I couldn't believe it when our bus turned onto the road to Airport Hill again a couple of weeks later in the season for a second workout on the dreaded mountain! What was our coach trying to do to us? Coach knew that the state meet would be held at Farragut State Park, and that it included a gigantic hill in the third mile. The wisdom of our coach was proven a few weeks later when we walked away from the state meet hoisting the championship trophy!
As a doc practicing in a busy rural hospital, I'm constantly faced with grief and loss. Last week we had some tough times. I lost a sick 3-month old to severe pneumonia. One of our Ecuadorian friends' 7-year-old son was playing with dynamite and literally exploded off both of his hands. These events are devastating for the whole community, and we are blessed that we get to pray with the patients and families during the tough times. I tend to be a pretty emotionally involved guy, so these cases are also very difficult for me as the doc. It's time like these that I'm glad to be a runner. I know that with Christ's strength, I can stick with it. God has a bigger purpose, and He will work all things together for good. He's a good God, and we know He will do it. Sometimes we feel like we're approaching "Airport Hill" for another tough workout, but we know that God is the wisest Coach ever. We need to trust that He knows what He's doing, and in that trust, we will live in the peace and strength that only He can give.
Kristina is also a runner. We are sad to report that her grandmother passed away last night. We will surely miss her. At the same time, we rejoice at the wonderful life and example that we've been able to witness and be a part of. Marjorie Mills lived in such a way that she could say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7) We are filled with happiness to know that Marjorie is in Heaven today!
