Reflection
Several years ago, I competed in a triathlon that was hosted by a neighboring community.
Several years ago means I was much younger than I am now.
It also means I had a decent chance of winning the race.
I’ll never forget that feeling as I entered the football stadium at the end of my race.
I was in the lead.
Then, I peered over my right shoulder and saw no one behind me.
I was about to win a triathlon for the very first time.
I had 400 meters to go.
The adrenaline was flowing.
The people standing near the finish line were hollering, screaming, and shouting words of encouragement as I rounded the final turn toward the finish line.
I couldn’t help but pick up my pace.
I was about to be a champion.
I began to sprint toward the tape.
It’s important to note that it had been years since I sprinted.
Then it happened.
I popped my hamstring with about twenty-five meters left in the race.
I still won but grimaced in pain as I limped awkwardly across the finish line.
As if that wasn’t enough deflating energy for my ego to absorb, the people yelling and cheering were parents of little kids competing in a mini-triathlon on the stadium’s infield.
I won, I hurt myself, I limped, and no one noticed, and no one cared.
I had fully experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat all in minutes.
Life is funny that way.
Sometimes we are riding the wave…or at least we think we are riding the wave.
and
Sometimes we get pummeled by the wave.
- Don’t give up
- Keep moving forward and pray
- Keep getting stronger and pray
- Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 until you cross the finish line onto the streets of gold, where there are no disappointments, broken egos, or torn hamstrings. 🙂
Hebrews 10:36, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
