Marathon Running

I was never a runner, not even as a kid when running is supposed to be second nature. It never felt comfortable. I can't imagine the mind-set, the discipline, the desire to run a marathon which is 26 miles and 385 yards. How do you convince your legs to run when your mind and lungs are pleading relief? In a way, we all run marathons as we get up each morning to go to work or school, prepare another meal, do another load of laundry, pay another bill, make another call, read the same children's book for the 30th time, mow the yard, or attend another meeting. The body says "stop," but the heart says "a little bit further." The head asks "why?" but the heart says "You can do it!" The Olympics is a great time to find inspirational role models, but there are some great examples of marathon runners in our daily lives. Those who keep putting one foot in front of the other, improving from the lessons of the challenge, enduring for the love of their supporters, and winning with fairness and respect.

In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose? – Jesse Owens

My prayer for the congregation? (You Tube link to song)

Dear God,

Guide my feet while I run this race.
Guide my feet while I run this race.
Guide my feet while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!

Hold my hand while I run this race.
Hold my hand while I run this race.
Hold my hand while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!

Stand by me while I run this race.
Stand by me while I run this race.
Stand by me while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!

I'm your child while I run this race.
I'm your child while I run this race.
I'm your child while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!

Search my heart while I run this race.
Search my heart while I run this race.
Search my heart while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!

Guide my feet while I run this race.
Guide my feet while I run this race.
Guide my feet while I run this race,
for I don't want to run this race in vain!