The feeling of excitement rushes over us at the start of something new; a new baby, a new house, a new job, a new puppy, or perhaps a new dream. Our willingness to work hard is a solemn promise we vow. However, as the new wears off and the bathroom still needs to be scrubbed, and the now full-grown dog still needs to be walked; Our pace begins to slow.
Chuck and I watched this play out when we bought our first house. It was in a beautiful neighborhood. Each house was custom built to suit the new owners. So much potential lay on each empty lot. However, we quickly realized, for most people, it was only a change of address. There was no change of mindset. I am a walker/runner. So, each day as I would head out for my exercise, I would watch new people moving in. I was so excited at all the new neighbors I would be meeting and friendships that would be kindled. Until I started to notice the garage door go up, the car pull inside, and the garage door come down; the blinds were pulled tight, and the doors were locked. On occasion, I would catch a glimpse of the garage as someone would be leaving, or I would catch a quick glance into the home as the front door was left open by young kids running out to play. It was in these small glimpses that a thought occurred to me. The outside of a house may look amazing, but it’s what is on the inside that shows who we really are. Sounds a lot like us doesn’t it? It’s only when an unexpected guest stops by that the clutter, dirty dishes or dysfunction can easily be marked. We can mask it by a garage door and tightly closed blinds, but it sends a clear message to those around. The finish line was forgotten.
There is a scripture in Proverbs 24:27 that reads, “Prepare your outside work. Make it fit for yourself in the field and afterward build your house.” This spoke volumes to me the first time I read it. I had to learn to put first things first. I had to take care of what was necessary, like my kitchen sink, the laundry and my family relationships. Then I could take care of what was comfortable, the extra stuff. I found in a schedule where busy was eliminated, what was a priority to keep my home and relationships running smoothly. God outlines a perfect plan for success in His Word. It’s a plan that brings order, not confusion, structure not disarray.
A few years back, I ran a 5k race. I have always loved to run, so on occasion, I enjoy friendly competition. I was physically ready for the race but unprepared for the adrenaline and excitement. These are elements that training could not prepare me for. When the gun went off, so did I. I was set for a six-and-a-half-minute mile. My friend, who was running with me, backed off, but I kept the pace. I thought, this was a breeze. After all, I ran a mile all the time for a quick workout. About the time I hit two miles, my pace was slowing, and my mind was winning over my legs. I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn’t. When I passed the third mile marker, here came my friend, breezing past me. I had nothing left. She had remained steady. I, on the other hand, started too strong and had nothing left for the finish. When I rounded the last turn, I could see the finish line. One would think that would be the most invigorating part, and it is, but it is also the most exhausting. My heart was racing. My lungs felt as if they were going to burst, and my legs felt like limp dish rags as well as concrete cinder blocks all at the same time. Yet I could hear the crowd cheering me on, and I could see the finish line flags waving. In the crowd, I caught a glimpse of my husband and little girl. Eva was on daddy’s shoulders and they were screaming and waving. In that split second, I changed my thinking and demanded my body finish this race. I switched to a gear I did not know I had left. My biggest fans were watching; Cheering me on. They believed in me. My mind had to win the race in order for my body to follow. It wasn’t enough for me to simply cross the finish line. It was how I crossed the finish line that mattered to me.
Our children will not remember all the money we made, but they will remember the times we threw a pole in the water or built a fort in the living room out of old blankets. Our spouse will not remember every “I love you” said, but they will remember the times we valued them over the phone. Our friends will not remember every text message sent, but they will never forget a drive across town to just sit on the porch and visit. Our homes may not be perfect, of course not. They have people in them. However, when things are picked up and put away, when the vacuum has been run, and the clothes have been folded and neatly put away, well… a clean home just “lives” better.
Our lives are spent with the finish line in sight. God isn’t concerned with how we start as much as He is with how we finish. When your heart is racing, and your lungs are ready to burst. When your legs feel like limp dish rags, remember your family is watching; Cheering you on. They believe in you! So, run your race and finish well.
” I, wisdom, will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful.” Proverbs 9:11
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Well written, thoughtful piece of journalism.
Thank you!
Kristen, you make so many good points about how we can choose to run the race of life. You have shown me how to keep the main thing the main thing. Be encouraged to keep exercising your gift of wise counsel wherever you are. You are a young mother but you have taught many life-enhancing lessons to this great grandmother. A great finish! Thanks.
Oh! Ms. Yvonne, I will miss you dearly and your husband. I always look forward to your smile and excitement at water aerobics and to your husbands jokes in the weight room. Blessings to you and your family. Love from the Howard’s- Charles, Kristen and Eva Jewel…. P.S. I still have the jewel you gave me when Eva was born. I will put it somewhere in our new home and always think of you when I see it.