Marathons

Twenty-one years ago I ran my first marathon.  It was fantastic.  By some of today’s big races the field was relatively small, only six thousand.  Yet my memories are of people, sounds, and the feel of pushing one’s self towards a goal which had always seemed impossible.  I found myself energized and amazed.  I found myself helpless at one point, puzzled by the strain on my knees I did not fully expect.  I remember the assist by my brother, impulsively offered and received with eternal thanks.  I finished the race that Sunday, a sunny day in San Francisco, my life forever changed.  Since then, I have had the wonder of experiencing two of New York’s great races with amazing crowds, wonderful runners, and memories of the greatness of this community.
 
I watch today’s race begin from the comfort of my apartment.  The energy is totally different.  The crowd’s vibe is filtered through television, never quite the same, yet my memories work to fill in the gaps.  My best thoughts and wishes travels with friends in the race as well as those I have never met.  I wish I could be part of this great event; perhaps I am, just in a different way.  As the elite near the halfway mark I want to scream my support for those in the pack, “energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees.”  (Isaiah 35.3)  Soak in the energy all around you!  Fly on the wings of wishes others send you.  Revel in experience life gives you.
 
Marathons have their ups and downs, moments of extreme pain and wonderful ecstasy.  For all it is a test of their wills, to finish, to push beyond barriers known and unknown.  The race mirrors your life and mine, far more than we can ever imagine.  Support, for runners in both fields, is there is we are willing to let it permeate our lives.  The Spirit is here, ready to run/walk each step with you.  Divinity passionately seeks to live within.  The question for them and for us is, will we run the race?