Jesse's First Race!

This past Monday, Labor Day, I had the opportunity to run a 5K race with my son Jonathan in Montgomery County, Maryland where he and his family live. Following the 5K race, there were two races for the kids, one for children ages 2-5 years old and one for children ages 6-12 years old. Jonathan and Danielle signed up our grandson Jesse, who just turned 2 years old, for the first race. 

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone as excited to run a race as was Jesse. As they lined the younger kids up (all three of them), there was Jesse wearing his American flag tank top, with his number pinned to his shirt, and Jonathan holding him back from taking off before the signal was given. He just couldn’t wait to run!  And when the signal was given, he gave it his all, running to the end of the stretch marked out for them and then turning around to make his way across the finish line. Not only that, but when the older kids were lined up to run their race, Jesse cried out, “More!”  He wanted to race again; so, off he took with his father following behind. Although that stretch (1 kilometer) was a bit too long for him—Jonathan had to run back with him on his shoulders—Jesse just loved being part of the race, and especially once again crossing the finish line.  Again, I’ve never seen anyone more excited to run a race than Jesse was that day. 

The Bible often refers to our journey of faith as a race. The book of Hebrews instructs us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1 – NIV) As I’ve mentioned before in this blog, this journey of faith in Jesus is like a race, requiring discipline, perseverance, pacing, and focus.  But here’s a question I have to ask myself—a question we all need to ask ourselves: How excited are we to be running this race? Do we run merely out of obligation and discipline? Has our faith in Jesus become a drudgery? Or, do we yet know what it means to run this race filled with excitement and joy?  

I love the way the Psalmist put it: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3) The Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)  I’m reminded today that being a follower of Jesus—i.e., running this race of faith—is meant to be more than mere religious duty. Rather it is meant to be a life that is filled with excitement and joy as we experience the work of God within our lives.  

As I think about Jesse’s excitement at running his race and eventually crossing the finish line, I’m asking God to fill me with that same kind of joy as I seek to live my life through faith in him. I hope you will do the same. 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris