Sunday, October 23, 2016

The best finish

"But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept." Genesis 33:4


Shane and Shawn Green

On Sunday, September 25, 2016, twin brothers Shawn and Shane Green crossed the finish line of the Chicago Half Marathon different than they ever had before. You see, even though these twins share a close bond, this is the first time they have ever crossed side-by-side as they both admit to being a little competitive-in their many races they have done together, Shawn, being the faster runner, would always finish first and then wait at the finish line for Shane. All that changed, though, when Shawn was diagnosed with an inoperable and terminal brain tumor that left him with limited mobility. Motivated by love, Shane joyfully pushed his brother in a racing wheelchair until the finish line was in sight where the two locked arms and crossed together. That's quite a story isn't it? 

Genesis 33:4 also tells us a story of two brothers running when it says, "Easu ran out to meet Jacob and embraced him: he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept." Why the tears? Because after many years of allowing greed, hostility and jealousy to come between them, these twins were reunited. They finally realized that their relationship was more important than what they owned or who came in first. What a reason to rejoice!

And while competition can be good, spurring us to do our best, it is never good if it's at the expense of a personal relationship. May we never be so focused on being first or having more that we forget what's truly important, the family and friends around us and the bonds we have with them... those are the things worth competing for. Shane knew it when, speaking of finishing alongside his brother this time, he said, "It was the best finish. It was good." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people in our lives that we can call brother or sister. And while we may not be related by blood, may we realize that those relationships are just as special and worthy of being maintained and grown at any expense. May we always view people as more important than possessions or PRs. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Live it well - Switchfoot




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