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I realized that day that I wouldn’t have even been at the starting line if it weren't for her; companionship is far more valuable than a fast finish.
A few years ago, after completing the Hood to Coast marathon, I had a lingering "racing bug." I desperately wanted to run one more 10K. The trouble was finding a race that didn't conflict with my Sunday morning worship duties. When I finally found an event that worked, I faced a second hurdle: I didn’t want to go alone. As an artist and an Inspirational Composer, I’ve found that I thrive on connection rather than isolation.
After asking around and praying for a partner, a friend’s mother-in-law graciously agreed to join me. However, when the starting gun fired, my old instincts took over. I took off like a shot, feeling the rush of adrenaline. But after a few minutes, I turned around to share a word of encouragement, and my heart sank. She was nowhere near me.
I stopped and looked back into the crowd. There she was, further back, moving at a much slower pace. In that moment, I had a choice. I could pursue the pride of a fast time, or I could do right by the person who made it possible for me to be there. I decided right then that I didn't want to be the kind of person who leaves a friend behind.
I ran back to her. We settled into a power-walk together, talking and sharing the experience. We didn't finish at the front of the pack, but as we crossed that line together, it was absolutely thrilling. We chose to skip the "pints and pasta" celebration afterward because we already had what we needed: the peace of knowing we finished as a team.
Steps To Joy
In our Platforms of Praise and our daily walks of faith, it is easy to get caught up in our own Pace and Achievement. But true joy is found in the "together."
- Are there people in your life you’ve outpaced in your hurry to succeed?
- How can you slow down today to ensure a friend doesn't have to walk alone?
There is a unique exhilaration in a personal best, but there is a lasting peace in a shared journey. Let’s choose the company over the trophy.
