Startings and Finishes

We are off and running into 2010.  My Dad ran a 5K marathon race on January 11.  My Mom and I did a 4K run-walk race.  I found that it was rather easy over all.  I wanted to run out fast, but my Mom said she would run some, but not the whole way.  She was really pacing herself; I was in a hurry.  She kept talking about the hills at the end.  I wanted to get to them quick, but she would not go fast enough.  Then we hit the hills.  They were not too bad at first for me, so I quoted Scripture to Mom, and helped her make it.  The course leveled off, and I was ready to push it in, but Mom said there were more hills.  Of course, she was right.  At the last hill I was yelling, “Stop!  Stop!”  But, Mom had no mercy.  She started quoting Scripture to me.  She promised we would run in to the goal - probably a half kilometer.  We were heading to the spot where we would run, and there was Dad.  I wanted to run with him.  He thought we might not be able to run the last bit, but we had wisely saved enough energy to finish well.  We were tired, but were able to finish giving our praise to our Maker who knew our bodies well. My Mom kept encouraging me and telling me she was proud of me.  She kept saying “hallelujah” as we ran and walked. She worked with me to help me get to the end and finish strong.   What did I learn?  Finishing well is pleasing to the Lord.  It makes me feel good.  It encourages others.  Thank you, Mom, for helping me finish well by setting the example. I did not tell you then, but I am proud of you, Mama! To God be the Glory.