Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1-3  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.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Today was a long day.  A very, very long day!  

Being a homemaker with three boys, two of whom are extremely active preschoolers, is much like a race most days.  I am on the run from the time I hear the first peeps from the monitor early in the morning until all three boys are in bed...and sometimes afterward.  I race to fed the children and get them dressed.  I race through my shower (on the days I take time for one) and morning routine.  I race here and there running errands, taking children to school, practices, and appointments, and getting through my to-do list.  When the children make wrong choices, I race to teach them a different way.  When things begin to get chaotic, I race to provide structure.  

All that racing makes me tired.  Some days (like today) I feel like I'm in last place.  Everyone, including my children, are ahead of me.  I run and run and don't feel like I've made any progress.  Then, when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet, I sit.  It's then that I remember that I'm running the race that is marked for me.  It's then, in the quiet, when I'm still, I'm reminded why I run the race.

As I read recently:

"When I fix my eyes on Him my race takes on a whole new meaning.

I realize that my race needs to be one of love; I need to reach my children with God’s word before the world whispers into their ears.

I realize that my race needs to be to show my husband the respect he can get nowhere else, because the workplace is racing to remove his focus from his family.

I realize that my race needs to be towards making my house a home, because the world is racing to open its arms to my family before I do.

Running my race has its hills and valleys.  Hurdles can slow me down at times but it is the race that God has me called me to run.

Because my eyes are fixed on him,  I will not grow weary… I know that before I even began my race He carved out the path I would take.

Because I know that He ran a race I could never imagine having to run."

So, I will persevere, knowing that tomorrow is a new day and my strength will be renewed!  What a blessed assurance!