I couldn’t have finished without my encouragers, and neither can you
By Chuck Sackett*
My second marathon, St. Louis (1990), was a run for redemption. I had failed so miserably in Los Angeles (1989; 4:59:59) that I had to prove to myself I could do better. I did (3:32)…and was completely satisfied until I overheard two other runners talking: “What’s the qualifying time for Boston?”
Boston? Qualifying time? A few days later I knew that for a man over 40 it was 3:20. A little math…only 13 minutes. I was sure I could do that. A little reflection…that’s 30 seconds per mile for 26 consecutive miles. Okay, maybe I could that.
Cocky at first
It was a great day, that fall day of 1991. The St. Louis marathon was small, reasonably flat, and I was ready. Gail and the girls drove to various points along the route to cheer me on. I admit, I was a little cocky when I saw them in Forest Park. I sprinted down the street to their cheers.
The next time I saw them I was trudging up a small hill just beyond the 24-mile mark. They sensed the change. At mile 25, top of the hill, Michelle was standing on the side of the road. Leather bomber jacket, Levi’s, and sockless penny loafers. “Dad, can I run with you?”
From mile 25 to mile 26 our eldest daughter ran beside me, encouraging me. I can still hear her: “Dad, you can do it. Dad, just a little faster. Dad, you’ve got this.” Amy was at the turn at mile 26, calling out to me. Just ahead was the final left turn. Jill, doing the same.
I made that last turn and could finally see the finish line, the clock, and Gail. I’d done it. 3:17 and a few seconds. I’d qualified for Boston.
Power, presence, partnership
But I’d never have done it without their encouraging words. I’ve often remembered that mile of Michelle’s presence beside me. I’ve never forgotten the sight of my family rooting me on. Seriously, I’d never have made it without them.
That’s the power of encouragement…presence…partnership. They are still here, more present than ever. Metaphorically running beside me. I hear from them nearly every day. They’ve sacrificed to be physically present. They’ve gone way beyond the call of duty to walk this road with Gail and me. We couldn’t do it without them.
And they are not the only ones. Family, friends, former students—even strangers—sending words of encouragement. Cards come nearly every day: texts, emails, Facebook messages. It’s overwhelmingly powerful. Generous people who pray and pray.
Couldn’t do it without them. It’s the power of encouragement…presence…partnership. We all need it, and not just when we’re dealing with crises. We just need it.
By the way, Michelle’s trek down the street with me is an ideal image of the apostle John’s favorite term for the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, the one who calls us along, encourages us. I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you he’d love to call you along too. He, the Holy Spirit, is a gift to all who abandon allegiance to any but Jesus. For those who embrace Jesus as King, the Holy Spirit comes…calls…encourages.
Marathon runners photo by Miguel A. Amutio at Unsplash.com
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page. To download a printable version of today’s post, click here.
*Today’s guest post comes from Chuck Sackett, who retired in January after more than 23 years of service with Madison Park Christian Church in Quincy, Illinois. This summer he has been receiving treatment for MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome which leads to leukemia). This is a repost, with Chuck’s permission, from his Facebook page.