An Older Man Ran Faster Than Me

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The other day I went running outside. I ran a major highway I live right next to. I started strong, running down the hill at full speed. My tunes blasting in my ear. Grooving to the beat, and I was happy with myself. I then reached my local Kroger and decided it was time to turn around and head back. I was walking to cool down from the first leg of my journey. I then convinced myself at a certain point I would begin running again. I finally reached that point and Wrecking Ball came across my Google player. I remember thinking I am going to run this race. I started gaining speed when all of a sudden from out of no where, this older gentleman came running past me. I thought what the heck, this should not be happening. I am younger and I should be able run faster than him. So I start trying to race this man, thinking I have something to prove. I then, started increasing my speed. Thinking I am going to beat this man.

When I started thinking that this often applies to life. We run at a certain pace and when we see someone trying to surpass us we think, "I have to run faster." Thinking they are competition and that we need to be going faster. While I was running and thinking I needed to beat this man, I heard a voice saying, "This is your race, You don't need to out run that person." I had no idea how much that man had been training. He could have been in better shape than I was in. I had no idea what led that man to the point of him passing me. There could have been several hours a day put into that race. He could have trained and been faster from where he was wanting to go.

My point to this story, is give yourself a little slack. Don't see life as a competition of who is greater, but focus on the race that God has set before you. Stop comparing yourself to others and allow yourself the ability to focus on your course. Not only has God given you the victory, He is rooting for you every step of the way.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

 -Acts 20:24

It's all of our goals to win, but win the race that God has set before you. Focus on what He has called you to.

@chrisburkmenn

Also visit:

http://chrisburkmenn.com/?p=583

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