Lessons from a 5K: #4--Give Thanks for the One Who Walks Beside You

Note: This is the fourth in a series of posts. Click here to read the previous one.

As soon as my daughter finished running the 3.1 miles, she used the Find Friends app on her cell phone to see where I was and then ran to me. 

"I'm so happy to see you!" I said. "I really do need someone to walk with me for my legs feel like rubber bands."

We finished the last mile or so together. Just having her right beside me--and the law enforcement officer in his vehicle right behind us--removed much of my fear of falling and made the final leg of the race so much more pleasant. As I struggled up the last hill, Jena said, "The rest of the course is easy. You can do this!"

When we reached the FINISH line, I said, "Let's get someone to take our picture." I certainly wanted her to be with me in the picture for I don't know if I would have made it without her love and support.

Lesson #4: Even the hardest "course" through life is made easier by those who love us and willingly walk beside us. Sometimes we're the one who needs such a friend. Sometimes we can be the friend someone else desperately needs.

Lessons from the 5K, #1--Encourage One Another

I was tempted to give up before the 5K Run/Walk started, but I decided to be brave and give it my best shot. I'm glad I did for the experience brought to mind several important lessons about life. I'll share a few of them with you in the days ahead, one lesson per post, so "stay tuned."

As the 39 participants gathered near the START line, I realized I was probably the oldest one, but I hoped I wouldn't be the last one to finish. But I was! And I knew that I would be--right from the start--because all the runners took off, as did the half-dozen or so walkers, leaving another woman and me waaay behind--and with no hope of catching up.

My face was almost as red as my windbreaker as I walked as fast as I could along the busy four-lane road in the small town where I live. I hoped that no one I knew would pass by and see me lagging behind. I wanted to head back to the START line, while it was so close behind me. But I thought, No! I paid to do this! I've trained to do it. I've told people I'm doing it. And, last or not, I'm going to do it.

When I reached the first water station, I smiled at the volunteers as I hurried past them. "I'm the last one, so you can go home now."

"We're proud of you," they said. "Keep on going! You can do it!" 

Because of their words of encouragement, I felt my shame lessen a bit. I held my head higher. I became even more determined to keep going rather than give up.

Lesson: We often fail to realize how powerful our words of encouragement--even a few simple ones--can be to others, especially those who are tempted to give up rather than press on toward their goals.

He Will NOT Forsake Us!

Onesiphorus (pronounced o-ne-sif'-o-rus)

A card a friend sent to me made me smile...and smile...and then smile some more. The message on the front mentioned how some people make life better for others. The inside message said I was one of them, since I have a kind heart and a generous soul. It also included a reminder for me not to forget how much I mean to others. 

Wow! The printed words lifted my spirit—and humbled me, at the same time. I felt thankful, too, for my thoughtful friend who had chosen that particular card for me.

As I thought about how much she had encouraged me, I recalled a passage of Scripture I'd read a few days prior. 

In 2 Timothy 1:16, Paul mentions how Onesiphorus had often refreshed him—or, as the Phillips translation says--"put fresh heart" into Paul, by helping him in various ways and in various places. Such kindness and support gave Paul the spiritual lift he needed to keep on keeping on. 

I don’t know anyone named Onesiphorus, which means “profit bringer,” but I know many people whom God has sent into my life to bring great blessings to me like Onesiphorus brought to Paul. And I am happy—and humbled—when someone considers me to be an Onesiphorus to them.

When Thro' Fiery Trials...

One Sunday morning when I was feeling especially overwhelmed by life—by all that must be done, by all the difficult decisions to make, and so forth, I found great comfort in the words to an old song our congregation sang during the morning worship service. The words to the song “How Firm a Foundation” were written by John Rippon in 1787. Even though the words are centuries old, their message remains true and timely.

I especially like truths such as these that are found in verse two, words the hymn writer senses God saying to him and words which I felt He was continuing to say to me that day:

Fear not I am with thee; O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

More wonderful promises are found in the rest of the song, but I was drawn to the ones in verse four:

When thro’ fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Note: To learn more about these promises, search the Scriptures, particularly Isaiah 43:2.