Mile 17

Who inspires you to press on when the going gets tough? Who motivates you spiritually to live a life pleasing to God?

I got the call during her final training preparations for the Boston Marathon. My best friend Karmen had qualified to run in this storied event and wanted to tell me she would be praying for my family and me during mile 17 of the race. Backing up, I will tell you that Karm had been my spiritual giant and exercise buddy since high school and even though several states separated us in our adult years (Texas and Idaho), we had remained as close as sisters and held each other accountable in our faith, fitness and family endeavors.

Focus and purpose are two necessary tools to draw on during endurance events, and Karm had come up with a clever idea of intersecting faith and fitness while providing a clear focus during her race. She compiled a list of 26 people or topics she would specifically pray for during each mile of the race, and I was honored to be chosen for mile 17. She completed the marathon in 3:42.04 and learned eight months later that her next competition was to battle stage IV pancreatic cancer (which she did gallantly for 27 months before receiving her heavenly prize.) In response to her idea, I have written ―Mile 17‖ on my bike helmet and dedicate part of each ride thanking God for our friendship.

Another inspiring idea came from the book about Colt McCoy called, Growing Up Colt. Aside from detailing the way his parents and grandparents instilled Christian values that have carried him to the NFL, the book spoke of his college coach, Mack-Brown. He challenged each player to dedicate the season to someone who had inspired them, so that when the season got tough, each player could draw motivation from his specific person (or person’s memory).

Coach Brown’s idea, coupled with Karmen’s focused prayers, prompted me to reflect on Jesus’ dedication. His every decision, thought, word, and action over 33 years was dedicated to an eternal plan. Although it was not 26.2 miles, I contend that some of his steps on earth were dedicated to you and me.

In Jesus’ final walk (to Golgotha), we learn from his own words and deeds where he put His focus:

The disciple, John, whom he directed to care for his mother

His Mother

The thief on the cross

His Father God, in heaven

All of us who have sinned

Now it’s your turn. To whom have you dedicated your season of life? Who inspires your thoughts, speech, and actions? Do you draw motivation from earthly or heavenly things? Find an accountability partner to run beside you in this life. Several of mine are in that great cloud of witnesses cheering me on, but one is waiting at the finish line with nail-pierced hands stretched wide, encouraging me by name.

Deonna Shake