SLIDING INTO HOME

     I fancied myself a track star during my high school years. But I had neither the genetic makeup nor the will power to excel in that department.

    Granted, I ran the 440 yard dash, but dashing was a poor verb for what I managed to do. But I thought myself fortunate to never finish last; (next to the last, but never last).

     Jack K. was a whole ‘nother story. Characterizing him as fast would have been an gross understatement. He was “a god” on the asphalt circle. Where I struggled to break the 60 second mark, Jack jogged it in less time.

     I remember one track meet in particular, not for the location since I have no idea these forty years hence where it was held. But it was one of the more momentous days in my life; (or more precisely in Jack’s life).

     Our track hero was in the lead as he rounded the last curve, and he seemed oblivious to every other runner. His eyes were “glued” to the finish line; his mouth curled into a painful grimace.

     It had rained that day and there was an unusual amount of water on the track. Suddenly the unthinkable occurred. Jack slipped five yards from the finish line, and began to hydroplane… on his stomach and chest. And slid in first place! Apparently he’d been far enough ahead of the other runners that falling down in a straight line was good enough for a win. (No one said he had to cross the finish line on his feet).

     Poor Jack’s chest and belly were raw. Blood trickled down his torso. But he was a winner nonetheless. My admiration for him doubled that day. And it will always be one of my most poignant memories. (He’s gone now, having died in his fifties, but I think he left us a valuable lesson. Funny, I’ve wondered if anyone else remembers his wet and bloody win. But it’s “ink on paper” now, so perhaps it’s enough).

     

    My moral is so simple, yet so profound. We need only read Hebrews 12.

 “Seeing how we’re surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us strip off everything that hinders us, and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (KJV)

     My counseling associate has a motto that has never failed her, and it’s only tonight that I tied it into that memory of so long ago.

    “If every time I fall down, I get right back up, I only a get a little bit stronger.”

     Jack’s momentum was nothing short of fantastic that day. I think that his energy and efforts surpassed every other runner on the field. And not even a slip prevented him from taking the crown.

     Friends, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The finish line is so close. I often encourage my clients to “stay the course” and to “go the distance.”

     This life will wind you. It will trip you up. You may even fall down. But I hope you fall down trying. I hope you fall down winning,… since there’s a race to be finished and a reward to be won.

     And dear ones, if you fall down, get up again. If you’re jostled into the infield, get right back on the track. If you find yourself bruised and bloodied, you’re in good company.

     Jack got up again on that memorable day. Literal sweat, blood, and tears drenched his face and torso. But I hardly noticed.

     I was too busy admiring the ribbon on his chest!

(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 23. By William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending. 

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