“You just gotta push through. It’s like those final miles in a marathon…”

I can’t remember the exact conversations or even the topics, but I do recall on several occasions responding with this metaphor when my kids came to me for advice. They don’t always reciprocate with the same enthusiasm and depth of emotion as one having reached a marvelous epiphany: “I hate when you talk in running metaphors!”

Okay, in my defense I don’t ALWAYS make everything about running. Well, actually, maybe I do.

This morning’s devotional from good ol’ Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest” featured a verse from one of my favorite Bible chapters: Hebrews 12. Of course, you know by now that Hebrews 12:1-2 is the theme and namesake of my entire blog and has been the foundation of many a post these last three years. But I confess I don’t usually read beyond verse two. Why? Because the rest of the chapter isn’t about running. Or is it? Stick with me; I’m going somewhere with this…

I enjoy looking up different translations of verses.  Sometimes it’s crucial to my understanding of the context and ultimately applying it to my own life. I also love word studies, so seeing the various usages is like a buffet for my eyes and soul. As with most buffets, you tend to fill your plate with what is most appealing and familiar. You might occasionally be adventuresome and try a dab of this or that.

This morning’s featured verse of Hebrews 12:5 was from the New King James version:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.”

I’d be lying if I said I enjoyed that particular bite. I kind of pushed it around with my fork, dabbled in it, then opened up my Bible app to the more familiar New International version:

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you.”

I still had room on my plate and wanted to get my buffet money’s worth, so I got back in line and this time tried The Message version out of curiosity:

“My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline,
but don’t be crushed by it either.”

Hmmm…interesting. I continued eating, I mean reading.

“It’s the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.”

Now this bite started to reach parts of my palate that hadn’t been reached. I found the next portion to be timely since today is the first day of school for most of my friends’ kids as well as first day of work for my oldest child, the new college graduate.

I love seeing all the Facebook posts this morning of kids on front porches or next to campus marquees, sporting grade level signs, giant backpacks, and big temporary smiles.  Now I know, it’s a little early to be talking about discipline. Save that for Back to School Night and Parent Teacher Conferences, right? But just as with running – BOOM, there it is – the discipline needs to start sooner than later. This passage seems to use the words “discipline” and “training” interchangeably:

“God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.”

How would it be if you showed up at Back to School Night and your child’s teacher did not have any plan for classroom or student discipline? What if there was no structure or training in place to guide students from day one? How would you or your children know if they are making progress? How will they respond to consequences? Or disappointment?

Similarly, what if you signed up for a race and showed up at the starting line without having trained at all? Or maybe you had a perfectly executed training plan; how would you gauge its effectiveness? And when things don’t go as planned, how do you react?

Almost thirteen verses in Hebrews 12 about discipline and training. Of course, the last two really got my appetite going and are the whole reason I decided to write this blog post today in hopes that it might help “clear a path” for someone (or maybe it’s just me):

“So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” Hebrews 12:12-13

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could see the entire road ahead at all times? And even nicer if the path was clear and without obstacles? That is simply NOT an option or reality or God’s plan to grow our character.

The verse that initially made me not want to go back for seconds is now one that is beckoning me back to the buffet. First days of school and work come with huge mixed emotions. As I’ve learned the hard way in many a marathon, I need to pace myself. And exercise self-control along with discipline. And listen to progress reports from God. But perhaps the most difficult is to acknowledge when I need correction and follow-through on it.

I appreciate that one of the verses says “At the time, discipline isn’t much fun.” I don’t know that I’ve ever called ANY race or training run “fun.” Usually when I’ve heard other runners say that a race was fun, it is accompanied by finger “air quotes.” I think what we really mean to say is that the race was fulfilling. Certainly running with friends makes the journey more enjoyable. And those spectacular views along the way make painful steps worth it.

Last Saturday I ran the Bear Creek trail half marathon for the fifth year. Every year I have literally said “Never again!” Parts of this course are simply not fun! This race is always on a hot August morning with lots of elevation changes, poison oak, wasps, and a daunting exposed last few miles ending with a cruel set of steps into a creek then back up a hill to the finish line. My finish times have gotten significantly slower the last two years. This year I was determined to not repeat the mistakes of the past. Better pacing, hydration, nutrition, staying mentally strong, and along the way encouraging other runners was the plan. Mission accomplished.

As a former teacher, principal, and parent of grade school kids, I am going to make this all about running and say that the school year is a marathon. And for that matter, so is starting a new career, business venture, project, relationship, season of life…

Often I read Bible verses that don’t register or grab me at first glance. Regrettably, more often than not, I don’t push through and look for ways to understand them. The good news is that when I ask God for wisdom and discernment from verses in order to know Him better, nothing delights Him more! And it’s like – dare I say – crossing the finish line! That, my friends, is better than any PR or medal!

God’s Word has entire passages about running. If the Almighty Creator of the Universe wants to make it all about running, who am I to argue?

 

Race photo credits: Jason Lehrbaum and Jay Boncodin