The Race Marked out for Us

It’s that time again. It should have been track and field day this week. Love that day! WCS always has SUCH a great turnout of family fans. Lawn chairs and food tickets. Overflowing parking lots (Where would we have parked this year???). Conversations and community. Excitement and disappointment and not a little intensity… Spring. Running and races. Journeys. 

Here’s a passage from Hebrews that resonates at this time of year, but filled with wisdom for all of life. Hebrews 12:1-2  tells us: Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  

This passage takes a different twist this year as we consider the pandemic, emergency remote learning, working from home and all of the new experiences we are having. This is an uncharted race - but read carefully - did you catch it? “The race marked out for us…”  Yes. You read correctly. The path is not always of our own choosing and planning. It is set before us. What godly characteristics are we going to display when the path takes unexpected, unprecedented turns? Read some of the lessons that can be learned through just this short Bible passage:

The Race Analogy: We all want our kids to press on toward the goal as they make their way through life. When preparing your kids for this most important race, be sure to keep a few things in mind:

Training is essential - Paul reminds all of us to train yourself to be godly. Training needs to take place every day in every way. Look for opportunities to teach, model, and reinforce God's incredible grace 24/7.

Cheer one another on - It’s no accident that Scripture repeatedly implores us to encourage one another, build each other up (1 Thess 5:11), to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). No one is meant to run this race alone. 

Stay focused- Run with perseverance the race marked out for us   

Finish strong “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

Pass the baton - The greatest legacy we can pass onto the next generation is the Good News of Jesus Christ. Be sure to practice your handoff, over and over again!  (Adapted from christianliferesources.com)

                                                                                                          Carol Verbeek, Principal