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. -1 Corinthians 9:24/ESV

John, Monika and I recently went to the Ironman Triathlon Finish Line in our home town. It was a joy-filled chilling moment when one would run across the Finish line, and the announcer would announce the person’s name and say, “…You are an Ironman”! It was the Heavenly equivalent of “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Some ran across the tape with extra energy, some barely made it, but all were joy-filled a millisecond on the other side of that Finish Line tape.

It was a priceless experience, especially when our daughter captured their joy and chatted up a storm asking great questions and cheering loudly for the runners. Her excitement was as contagious to John and me as much as the runners were.

I attempted to run a triathlon once. Well, it was a women’s mini-triathlon a few years ago, but it was a challenge that was transformative both during my training and in the actual race itself.

A girlfriend had asked if I wanted to participate with her and her daughter. Unbenownst to this family, they were some of our inspiration to continue on towards parenthood. So I dreamed and imagined being able to do a race with our own child one day, for this was before we learned Monika’s story.

It was a quarter mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 5K run. Granted, the swim was in a lazy river at the Marriott. The lazy river was turned off, but the momentum of the women swimming and walking created its own wake. I am not a great swimmer, but chose to swim anyway, propelled by the rolling waters. I decided not only to give my best, but to also have fun. It was both encouraging, challenging and satisfying.

I confess my thoughts weren’t always right on. Was I going to make it? Maybe I should have trained more [because I knew my family gene pool and past experience designed me to take the challenge]…maybe I should have trained less [and done more for others]…and on it went.

When I realized I was being a bit hard on myself, I found Christ’s Spirit whispering We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5). Each time I allowed the Holy Spirit to capture those thoughts, I was blessed and given energy and joy in my training.

During my training time, I prayed, meditated and got lost in God’s creation. I dedicated this race to the memory of my brother as it was close to his birthday. I imagined him cheering me on. I know he would have done as much had he been alive.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.–Hebrews 12:1

I thought about Triune God. The Father who is my perfect parent, the One who trained my own father and his fathers, yet filled in places where my human fathers could not. It made me love God and my own father more. Christ, my brother who was with me in Spirit, and in person through the witness of the Scriptures. I thought of my own brother and brother-in-law who were now with Jesus. I imagined both, along with other saints and loved ones cheering me on.

I then began having thoughts like this: It’s not just a race Denise, it’s part of your destiny. Do it with class, great sportsmanship and all the kindness you have, for God in all His forms is magnified in this moment. Enjoy…En-joy…Be filled with joy as you participate…it’s contagious.

I know it is, for I too was infected with the joy of others and couldn’t help but smile and offer smiles despite sometimes feeling the tug of my humanity wanting me to give less than I should.

Once in church we heard a wise man mention that his rest goes hand in hand with his work. It’s some of the best wisdom I received. I enjoy my rest when I get it, but resting in my work allows me to enjoy what God has given my hand to do.

This kind of rest keeps God present all the time. It keeps the Love flowing.

I never imagined how much a triathlon training could connect me with a Triune God; my Father, Brother and Spirit-Lover. If we are missing something along the way and know God is the answer, the answer is to always to Try God! Or better, Try God at the beginning of everything! He will never fail throughout the process!

Amazing!