"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
 |
| Prerace getting ready to head out to the start line after preparing ourselves with some praise, worship and prayer. |
 |
| Prerace while we are still friends. |
As usual, Bass Pro did not disappoint any of the runners. From the starting line anthem and a public prayer for all the runners (yes! a blessing to all those running for safety and strength), we were off and running. The water stations (and lots of portapotties), aid stations and medical personnel exceeded expectations. Many of the local neighborhoods that were on the course put together their own "cheer squads" with themes, costumes and music. Gotta tell you, they were all a welcome distraction and each one different. Loved this part of the race! Every volunteer was cheerful, motivating and ready to help. This really was a fabulous race. The best was at the finish line - huge medals and a post race meal of pizza or Q'doba. I was dreaming of food from mile 3 to 26.2 so gladly helped myself to both (and some chocolate milk). God willing, we will be back next year - yes, that means me and Kiki. She finished, she still loves me and she even gave me her bowl of Q'doba when her belly was too upset to eat it. A blessed day indeed!
 |
| Post race and she still loves me |
* To keep us motivated, we had brought an external speaker hooked to my race belt. We were on stride with the 5 hour pace group for some time when I could tell that Kiki's energy was getting low. We were doing the Galloway method (run/walk) so were going back and forth with them. We had been conserving the speaker battery until we really needed it (we really needed it then). As God would have it, we turned it on as Chris Tomlin's song, I Will Rise began to play. Kiki and I lifted our hands in praise, running, and letting Him strengthen us. Overcome with emotion, we began to sing out loud, just a soft volume we thought only we could hear. Within a few seconds, the pace group had caught us and we could hear the voices of many of them joining us as the chorus began to play, "And I hear the voice of many angels sing,"Worthy is the Lamb" and I hear the cry of every longing heart, "Worthy is the lamb". For a brief moment, we were in uninterrupted praise to the Lord in the middle of a marathon course in Springfield, MO with other people in search of the strength to get them through...the Source of which we were joined in praise for. Coincidence? No way.
Wherever you are, and whatever "job" God has given you, you can be that person to help others. While the bible says, "those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint", sometimes we need to be reminded of His promises. Sometimes we just need someone to come along and remind us. Will you be that person?
Heavenly Father, thank You for such a glorious day. Thank You for giving us the ability to run and for the honor of sharing You through it. Thank You for the strength you provided today, for letting us soar and not grow too weary to finish the race. May we forever praise your name. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment