Once again, my kids will be rolling their eyes at my need to turn EVERY life circumstance into a running metaphor or saying “It’s a God thing.” Some call it obsession. I call it passion. It’s a matter of perspective.

This time we were at Disneyland. All four of us. On a beautiful, crisp mid-November holiday. It had been almost a decade since we last braved the crowds and meticulously strategized FastPass procurement. As customary, we headed straight for the Space Mountain ticket dispensers. As expected, the FastPass return time was for much later in the day – 9:30pm to 10:30pm was our window of opportunity to enjoy the most popular ride in the park without waiting 75 minutes in line. And then at 1:15 the ticket indicated a FastPass would be available for another ride which, of course, would be Indiana Jones with a return time of 5:55pm. This went on until we maxed out on all the good rides.  That’s how we spent the first half of our day in the Magic Kingdom.

In between  acquiring FastPasses, we managed to find rides with “only” 40 minute wait times. But what is a family to do whilst standing in line together for 40 minutes? I can easily spend 40 minutes on my own getting caught up on social media. We probably could’ve each resorted to private screen time as the remedy for Disney line survival; however, I think we all sensed we could do better than that. I think it was Natalie who said “too bad we don’t have the Heads-Up game.”

I promptly said “Wait, I do!” and wasted no time in opening up the app on my phone and placing it on my forehead for my family to say, hum, gesture, or sing out clues so I could guess the word displayed on the screen. The following 39 minutes seemed to fly by as our family interacted together in a way we haven’t since the girls were too short to ride Space Mountain.

I like to think that Dave and I passed down a few admirable traits to our daughters, but the trait that proved most advantageous at the next 40+ minute lines was our competitiveness. Let’s just say that we all brought our A-game and would not settle for sub par Heads-Up performances. To those innocent bystanders whom we entertained in the Matterhorn line – you’re welcome.

Can I just stop right here and say that I’ve never had so much fun waiting in line? And really, the whole day was waiting in lines interspersed with a few rides as well as meticulously maneuvering our way through the most crowds I’ve ever seen at Disneyland in my 44 years of visiting.

But wait, it gets better. So, we headed over at 5:55 for our Indiana Jones FastPass time slot. Breezed through the line to that point where you’re about to board the ride and the movie video clip introduction went black followed by a cast member announcing the ride had to be “indefinitely discontinued.” Translation: a kid probably barfed and they had to clean it up. Whatever the case, everyone had to promptly exit. On the bright side, we were not the ones who just stood in line 75 minutes or the poor kid in front of us who was so excited about finally being tall enough to go on this ride now visibly disappointed but trying very hard not to cry. Which made us all a little teary-eyed.

Oh, Disney…the emotions you evoke.

But more bright side, they gave us new FastPasses for any ride of our choice at any time. We were just saying that we wanted to check out the Haunted Mansion but the line was way too long. We were now able to hop on over there and breeze through that line as well to successfully enjoy their “Nightmare before Christmas” version of the ride. I have to confess that it was not as bad as I imagined it would be as I’ve never been a Haunted Mansion or Halloween fan. In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever gone on this ride as a family since I thought it would give my kids nightmares when they were little which in turn would give me mom guilt for the rest of my life.

As we exited the Haunted Mansion and headed toward our next destination, we had to pass by Indiana Jones. I thought it would be really funny if it “happened” to re-open right when we showed up.

And it did.

We practically had to run through this line of no people as it went THAT fast. And so we got to go on one of our favorite rides after all, and we think we even saw the little boy from earlier finally get to go on it as well.

It was at that moment I couldn’t help it. I said it out loud to my family. “That was such a God thing!” I couldn’t see their faces, but I could feel my kids’ eyes rolling. But I didn’t care.

The truth of the matter is that all day I had been saying that in my heart. This just happened to be the first time I said it out loud. And I said it again when the Blue Bayou restaurant had a dinner opening for us after being booked solid for weeks. We didn’t even have to eat at 10:45pm.

God uses so many ways and means to get our attention. I have often missed the clues and later smacked my own forehead saying “Duh, how did I not get that?” It’s like that Heads-Up game. God can say it, hum it, sing it, and act it out for us…sometimes we still don’t get it.

The truth is that there is not one second of the day that’s not His thing.

The same applies to races (finally – the running analogy!) as He so clearly illustrated at this year’s Carmel Marathon.

It was late April and I had just completed a grueling but exhilarating 50K trail race the week before as well as come off of a few months of injury. I had registered for the marathon almost a year ago and was looking forward to running this course for the third year in a row. My course PR was 4:18 which at the time I was not happy with and blamed the warm weather. This year’s race had the cold temps I had been hoping for that first year. Ideal race conditions except for the fact that I was not in ideal race condition. It crossed my mind to downgrade to the half marathon, but pride wouldn’t allow it. Go big or go home, right? After all, I didn’t fly all the way to Indiana to drop to a shorter distance.

I admit I felt sluggish those first few miles. My fifty year old body was feeling the three hour time zone change and 50K hills from a week ago. At the mile 11 marker, I said to myself “This was a bad idea.” After passing the half marathon turn around point, I was definitely lamenting not downgrading when I had the chance. Too late now. You know what else I lamented? Dinner the night before. Two porta-potty stops leading up to mile 13 were the result. A few years ago, this would’ve been devastating as stopping even once might’ve made a difference in PR’ing or not. This year the goal was JUST FINISH – but it wouldn’t happen without one of the toughest mental battles ever.

At mile 14, it crossed my mind that if Dave happened to be driving by I would jump in the car and call it a day. No! I’ve never DNF’ed and was not about to – not today, not ever! It was then that I realized I had spent the last 14 miles whining and focused on how miserable I was feeling. I told Jesus how sorry I was for making this whole thing about me and “my race.” And for forgetting about ALL the times He has been so faithful in providing exactly what I needed at precisely the right moments. And for His healing me so that I could run an incredible 50K with Him and the most stunning views that HE created that I got to enjoy less than a week ago.

So from mile 14.5, in my heart and mind I made it all about God’s race and looking for ways to praise Jesus.

Mile 15 turned onto a tree-lined trail after being on roadway and residential streets. I suddenly felt an adrenaline rush and my legs picked up. I started noticing the peaceful, inviting canopy of trees ahead. Cool breezes accompanied me. I don’t remember much else about the race leading up to mile 23 – except that I was joking with God about finishing under the five hour mark. At that point, it would be nothing short of a miracle to finish sub-5.

I had only checked my Garmin once the whole race which was at mile 13 to verify if I was indeed going as slowly as I thought. Garmin doesn’t lie when it comes to pace and time. Sometimes I wish it would. At mile 23 I looked at my Garmin the same way one looks at a scale or credit card bill after Christmas – expecting the worst. To my shock, I was on pace to finish under 5 hours. I also ran into a friend at mile 24 who cheered me on. I was pumped. I ran the fastest mile splits those last three miles and had such a great time praising and worshiping Jesus that I was almost sorry to see the finish line. Almost.

There it was. The elusive finish line. Hours and days ago seemed so far away but now a mere fifty steps or so to go. I told Jesus, “I just wanna finish under 5 hours.” I could now see the race clock and hear the announcer. The clock was gun time not chip time, and I had not looked at my Garmin since mile 23. Right before my shoe hit the timing pad, I saw my time and heard the announcer: “Irene Tang from California coming in at 4:59.59!”

The volunteers handing out the medals and bottled water heard it as well. We all laughed together as one placed my medal around my neck then high-fived me.

When I think back to what it took to go precisely 4:59.59, I can’t help but smile. I love God’s sense of humor and precision in answering the cries of our hearts. One more or one less tick on the clock would not have mattered in the grand scheme of things, but God knew how much it would mean to me. And how we’d laugh about that moment and that race for a long time.

I was now thankful for the line at the porta-potties and questionable dinner. I was thankful for the colder than expected temps. I was thankful my friend and I stopped for a hug at mile 24. I was thankful for our two restaurants on Main Street that “just happen” to be along mile 26 which motivated me even more for fear that I would look like I’m dying in front of our employees.

Every second mattered.

I never thought I’d be over-the-moon about a five hour marathon when my goal for years was sub-four with hopes of a Boston qualifying time. Funny that I feel more content about this finish than my actual career PR of 4:13 in 2013. I picture God and I playing that Heads-Up game, and the word I’m holding up but can’t see is “CONTENT.”

The lengths that God went through so I could see it, say it, and know it first hand.

Whether it’s a grueling marathon or endless line at Disneyland, He knows and does what it takes for us to clue in. Some days it takes a few more clues. But He’ll never stop. He never gives up.

It must be a God-thing.

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV

“O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!”
Psalm 139:1-7 NLT

“For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.” Colossians 1:17 MSG

 

It was the theme of a devotional I’d read last month. Since then, I’ve been thinking about how that would look in everyday life…and in running, of course.

When I think about what it means to “make Jesus famous,” I think about athletes who credit their victories and accomplishments to God. I’m talking about the “big time” athletes who have won Heismans, Super Bowls, NBA Championships, Boston Marathons, etc.

With confetti still raining down and sweat soaked uniforms, during post-game/race interviews they attribute their wins to Jesus, Lord and Savior. Boom! There it is. The name of Jesus proclaimed before millions of viewers nationally and worldwide. Not in a church. Not in a conference. Not in a retreat center in the mountains. But in stadiums, sports bars, living rooms, cars, planes, on laptops, and on smart phones.

Sounds like a Dr. Seuss book.

I don’t blame him (the nameless consumer) for his initial skepticism of green eggs and ham. After all, Sam didn’t do a great job of marketing his product. And his sales skills were questionable at best. I mean, really – the ultimate high pressure salesman. Hmmm, he actually reminds me of myself trying to convince my husband to try my kale smoothies.

But in Sam’s and my defense, we’re just super excited about green food and want everyone else to love it like we do.

In my early twenties, I had several sales jobs as well as recruiting and training positions. The “basic skill” in selling a product or service AND in hiring/training sales people was translating features to benefits.

Sam and I need to go back to Sales Training 101 when it comes to promoting our green cuisine. But somehow I feel like even if I masterfully present the benefits of kale smoothies to Dave, he still won’t budge.

Benefits of kale. Too many to list. And not the focus of this blog post. But I think I’d be a pretty good spokesperson if the kale industry were looking for a new poster child. In my sphere of influence, I think I’ve done a good job of making kale famous.

So, how does kale relate to making Jesus famous? Well, I’m guessing that my family cringes when they hear the blender going for fear that I will once again stick a glass of thick green goo under their noses after the whirring sound stops. Of course, followed by my excited plea “Try it! It’s so good for you!” I’m also guessing that in some ways, folks cringe when they’re told they need to “try Jesus.”

What I love about several of the athletes I’ve followed over the years who have not been shy about crediting their success to Jesus, is that their lives OFF the field, court, and course have backed up what they proclaim to the media with all eyes and cameras on them. I’m sure their sponsors and contracts prohibit them from saying “too much” on air about how they live out their faith; but really, the proof is in the pudding. Or smoothie.

Do their lives off-camera reflect the Jesus they are “selling?”

I think God said it best in these verses:

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 NLT

Don’t get me wrong; everyone has bad days, doubts, fears, frustrations, arguments with spouses, things they wish they hadn’t said or done. However, if those are the things for which they become most famous, all credibility is lost. It becomes “bad fruit.” And what was said on air while holding that gimongous trophy or gleaming medal quickly fades and even becomes as distasteful as my kale smoothie.

The bottom line is this: Does my life make Jesus attractive to others?

What would make someone want to try the Jesus that I boast about? Have I done an effective job selling the benefits of walking/running with Him? Do I consistently live out what I believe? How do I respond to criticism, the pressures of life, and when stuff doesn’t go as planned? Am I the same person off-camera as on-camera? Is there visible “fruit?” Or am I just all talk?

I’ve asked myself those questions a lot lately. More specifically, “How do I make Jesus famous in my running?” I suppose the answer depends on my audience. Except for races and the occasional run with friends, I run alone. So, really, I have an audience of One when I’m just training. How that Audience perceives my effort, results, thoughts, and heart during the run are everything to me.

Last Saturday I ran a 30K trail race which consisted of over 12 miles up to the Summit of Mt. Diablo (3,849′) then back down for 7 miles. I have to admit right here that I didn’t think it would be a big deal since I had run a 50K earlier this year going up to the Summit. I was looking forward to the cooler fall temps and even light rain forecasted. I had done a lot of hill training and felt good going into this race. What I did not account for was the mud from the previous night’s rain. Mud that from mile one got caked on each shoe and at times made me two inches taller. I’ve always wanted to be taller, but not this way. It didn’t take long for my ankles and calves to feel the strain of what was probably ten pounds of mud. And the hardest part of the course was still miles up.

This race came with an option at the mile 8.71 aid station to turn back down the mountain for a half marathon finish instead of proceeding another 3.4 miles UP to the Summit and ultimately a 30K finish. First off, let me say there would’ve been no shame in taking that option. But I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t go the full distance. And c’mon, there was even a huge, visible teaser at that point. I had to laugh as it brought so many great illustrations of temptation to mind. One in particular was the infamous “deal” Satan tried to make with Jesus for fame and kingdoms at His disposal if He would bow down and worship him. Of course, Jesus said “NO DEAL!” Satan should’ve known better; Jesus never did ANYthing with the intent of becoming famous.

Jesus and I made it to the Summit that day where there was a large sign on the ground at the aid station of a cartoon Devil and the words “Stomp Here!”

And stomp on it I did whilst thinking about all the times in life Jesus has helped me stomp on worse things than that 3.4 mile climb we just conquered.

The lessons learned, victories won, and obstacles overcome in training AND racing should spill over to all areas of my life. So much so that others will find the Source of my strength and joy just as attractive as I do. And that they, too, would want to try Jesus.

Photo Credits
Tim Tebow:  nydailynews.com
Stephen Curry:  slate.com
Derek Carr:  churchleaders.com
Race course:  brazenracing.com, Katherine Ingram, ChasquiRunner
Connect Magazine cover:  runforgod.com, Meagan Tang