Running our Race in San Antonio
We did it! Eighteen of us, including a sweet baby in his stroller, walked, jogged, or ran (in the case of my grandson, Payton, and his buddy, Jaiden, age 14). BTW, Jaiden placed first in his age group. All was to support EMwomen.
Nothing to compare to the 26.2 miles and 13.1 marathons Run the Alamo taking place today, but most of us were exhilarated while others were a bit apprehensive about that “long” walk (5K aka 3.1 miles). We put our minds and hearts to it, and God muscled us up with His energy and determination.
I don’t have the numbers on the contribution efforts yet, but we know, with your support, we all played a big part in bringing EMwomen Hope House to life. Thank you to all who contributed to our cause. We’re not finished yet. The campaign will continue so feel free to donate at: www.EMwomen.com/donate
I didn’t make a time goal for this race because I was too busy taking photos of others. I would pause until they reached me, take their photo, and cheer them on. Then there was my daughter, Staci Wallace, who crossed the finish line on her own behalf, and then would run in with each one as we shouted our cheers for their accomplishments. It was beautiful!
I learned a personal lesson. I was jogging my way to the finish line with only a few yards to go. My eyes were on the prize – the finish line – instead of where I was at right at the moment. A heaved piece of pavement took me down – way down. Some nice folks helped me up and made sure I was okay! I had scrapes and cuts on my hands and face, and attended to by a medic at the finish line. With dirt on my face and my pride stripped away, I survived to tell this story. Ugh!
I was simply distracted by the finish line — not being cautious and aware of my surroundings right here. Paying attention to where we’re at – at THIS moment – is what matters – NOT the finish line. I’ve read way to many stories about races and contests where the drivers of race cars, skiers, swimmers, gymnasts and marathon runners are only thinking about “the win” instead of paying attention to what’s happening well in this very moment.
I thought of this scripture as I typed this blog. “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” (Proverbs 4:25-26) That completely explains my fall.
It is like those things that the enemy uses to trip us up when we are making great progress — something we say or do or something that takes our focus off the goal that is set before us. I get it. Do you get it, too? We must keep our eyes looking directly forward at Him!
Father God, please help us keep focused on the path you have set before us. Please keep us from the distractions the enemy uses to take our eyes off You and your promises. Please give us the wisdom to discern the enemy’s ploys and keep our eyes focused on You. No more looking back or looking too far in the future. Keep reminding us, O Lord, that You are in control of everything and as long as we keep our eyes on You and walk in Your ways, everything will work out according to your perfect will. Thank You for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.