It's Not a Contest

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Last week the kids and I piled in the van and drove to a park. The sun was shining, the moon roof was open, and we were rocking out to our favorite worship songs. The fresh air filled our lungs, and we were feeling energized.

When we arrived, the kids played well together. Tired of the swings and slide, 2 took off to the soccer field. From mid-field they decided to run. My son, 3 years older, much larger and faster, left my youngest in the dust. 5 steps into their fun she plopped down in the grass and cried out, “that’s not fair, slow down!”

Micah hadn’t even realized that he was so far ahead, nor did he think that they were in a race. He was running his own race, running to meet his goal. When he accomplished his goal, instead of cheering and continuing to race, my daughter was still sulking.

She was so focused on fairness and comparison, that she refused to run her own race. She missed out. She even missed celebrating her brother’s accomplishment.

Do you see it?

We do the same thing.

When we see someone with their eyes, hearts, and minds focused on God’s calling, we can stop in our tracks, cry out, and refuse to move forward. What good does that do? It’s not a contest.

Now, here’s what happened next,

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with a teachable moment and a word of encouragement for my oldest to notice, she went to meet my youngest in the middle. She stopped, invited her to join the fun, and off they went together. Soon all three were running their own races, not worried about where they were in relation to the other.

I was “schooled” at the park that day. It reminded me to not accept the comparison, and to recognize those missing out, and pray how I could help them train and run their own race.


I have been reflecting on these verses as well…

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

I Corinthians 9:24-27


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.

Hebrews 12:1-2

In what ways have you given up? Stopped running your race?

PRAY about it.