42.195km. Distance of a full marathon. Distance I took to wrap up 2006. A physical milestone to close off a year of emotional, spiritual, and career roller coaster. And through it all, I have witnessed the faithfulness of God, the support of family and friends, and a restoration of hope that revived my soul. It was a tough race. Months of preparation leading up to 5 hours one Sunday. The weather was perfect. I was soon lost in an odyssey of running. All I wanted was to finish strong, and before I knew it, the race got the better of me. With 12km left, my body had completely exhausted whatever energy it had. I had no more carbohydrate to burn. (Marathoners and endurance athletes would normally carbohydrate load to increase carbohydrate reserves in muscle tissue through the consumption of extra quantities of high starch foods before a race. Carbohydrate comprises any group of compounds that includes sugars, starches, celluloses, and gums that serves as a major source of energy).
Between the last 12km and 7km, things were still alright. However as I embarked on the last 5km of the race, my right leg started acting up. The joint connecting the right side of my hip to my right thigh had begun to experience spasm and running became awkward. Before I knew it, my right leg kind of went limp and threatened to collapse altogether. So began the journey of limping the last 5km to the finishing line.
I was very disappointed at not being able to finish strong. My brother proved to be a great comfort. He could empathize with me as he had experienced the same disappointment last year when he had cramps in his legs and came in way below his expectation. He was very disappointed then but I don't remember him telling anyone. Unlike me, I was a real sore finisher who raved about it pathetically.
I am not a natural born long distance runner. It had required a conscious effort to train for it. Neither am I adept in expressing myself. You may have been reading the scripts written by me but believe me, from the initial conception to the final delivery, the spirit that has shaped the scripts is that of divine inspiration, long periods of reflection, and a culmination of more than a decade of literary induction.
If it had been a natural ability, then it would be nothing more than an exploit of one's talent. However, if it were an acquired skill, then it would be nothing less than a breakthrough in overcoming one's natural disability. I have a friend whom I have known for a long time. Our friendship has gone through ups and downs, two phases of separation, and a misdeed. Out of a job and out of savings, I was too broke to show up with a red packet to bless my friend and his bride at his wedding banquet.
And when he realized that I could not make it, he was upset, not so much with my absence, but for not telling him that I was broke. A few days ago, he admitted something to me. Given his character, it was almost a miracle for him to admit it to anyone. At that moment, I just thought, 12 years and some mishaps later, this admission probably spoke more about our friendship than I can think of words to describe. No one is perfect, everyone can use some grace and then some more.
An extension of grace enables another second, third and fourth chances to return to life and try again. The spirit of true forgiveness sets both the offended and the offender free, free to give life just one more shot before the light goes out. No one is perfect who will not make mistakes, take wrong turns, or hurt another. But everyone could use a second chance. I have made my fair share of mistakes, taken wrong turns, hurt and disappointed those closest to me. Similarly, I have experienced my fair share of hurts and disappointments. Nonetheless, I believe what I have gone through serve a purpose, without which I would not be able to learn the lessons of life. To know my strengths and weaknesses so that my strengths are ready at His disposal, and my weaknesses exposed and reshaped by Him.
Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. At the end of a long year, most people look forward to this time of the year to slow things down, bask in the spirit of love, peace and joy, and for others, partying and a time to get together with family and friends. But what truly lies behind Christmas? A day when Christians remember the birth of Jesus, son of Joseph and Mary. Who was he? Let me rephrase that, who is He?
Isaiah 9:6 The Message depicts it as such: For a child has been born for us! The gift of a son - for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
I'm not sure about you but I know what I want to experience this Christmas, is the peace of God, the wholeness that he brings. So, I look to Jesus who says," Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV.
Whatever you plan to do this Christmas, I pray you will consider the One whose birth, death and resurrection brought us hope and restored our relationship with the God who made us.
Shalom,
Sv ",+
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