Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Good Christmas morning to you!  It was around this time last year I ran my first 5k. I finished. My time was not Facebook status update worthy, to say the least! I thought about quitting every 15 seconds. There were moments when it was less of struggle, but my breath was short and my legs were heavy the entire time. I’m still very much of a novice in the world of running, and it’s been a real bummer to learn that the “runner’s high” I’ve always heard about must only come at distances far beyond what I’m capable of running at this point.

I underestimated the amount of focus required to finish strong. A mile-and-a-half in, the cold cup of water on my lips made me want to step off the road and sit for a while. The constant comparisons to the runners around me left me feeling so inferior. My inability to run down the 8 year old girl wearing pig-tails and a tutu was a definite low point in my life!

I now have a better understanding as to why the writer of Hebrews compares the Christian life to a race. Both are long, difficult, and require a laser like focus. Fortunately, there are those who have come before us who have, with great success, completed the race. Through struggle, hardship, and sacrifice, they followed the example of Jesus, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  This Christmas morning celebrate Christ, who was born to die for us, that we may enjoy running the race of life with Him.

Weekly Memory Verse: He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3.30