This week Bess and I have been working on an “Amazing Race” Application. We are putting together a script and a video while laughing and dreaming of the possibility of this adventure. We love watching the show. It is a blast to watch teams work together and often fall apart. Imagining ourselves taking on the physical, culinary and navigation challenges is a delightful daydream. It is highly unlikely that we would be chosen to compete, but it has been sweet to have some time this week to enjoy a new project together.
In almost every episode of every season, teams will spot the show’s host standing at the finish line, and they will drop all their bags and run with renewed energy to stand on the finish line with him. During the final sprint, you don’t hear complaining, arguing or whining. If there is any sound at all, it is from the other teammate who shouts words of encouragement and motivation.
In Christian circles, devotionals and bible lessons, we hear all the time that this life is like a race:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
I have run a bunch of marathons, and I can also say now that I have NO intention of ever running another one. In each marathon I ran, there were relatively easy sections and there were other miles that were positively grueling. I hated hills. I smiled more and concentrated on the appearance of my stride when I knew others were watching. My pain eased off when I received oranges and Gatorade at the pit stops. Music and supportive onlookers were so encouraging. I found strength running side by side with other marathoners who had to take every step I was taking. It always helps to know you aren’t “in it” alone.
I will never forget running the New Orleans marathon. As I kept putting one foot in front of the other, I passed a man who was jumping rope. I passed him around mile 7; I imagine that he continued his jump rope marathon for the full 26 miles. As hard as running a marathon is, I cannot imagine how much harder jumping rope for 26 miles would be….What a burden!
The jump rope masochist chose to make the task of running a marathon exponentially harder. There is not a condition or requirement in the rules of running a marathon that ever says you need a jump rope. The race is hard enough on its own without adding on extra burdens.
In the Amazing Race, the teams need their backpacks. The burden of a backpack is necessary, but the people wearing them do their best to keep these “burdens” as light as possible. When the amazing racers spot the end of the race, they can clearly see that nothing else matters. The necessary burden of the backpack becomes unnecessary. The only thing that matters is that they finish the race. At the finish line, they are free from all of their burdens.
Many of us are carrying unnecessary burdens. We add fear and heavy fluff to the already grueling task of racing. We are exhausted jump-roping marathoners. Others of us have packed too much into our backpacks and we find ourselves hunching over from the extra weight. We believe that we need everything in our pack; we are compulsive over-packers.
This morning, I read these refreshing verses:
“Come to Me, all you who labor 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)
I needed the reminder. I know that I fall into patterns where I worry about things beyond control. I have been guilty of adding too much heavy fluff to my life load. I have been weighed down by shame and the “what if’s”. I am guaranteed rest and the most capable friend to lean on. I don’t have to choose to be weighed down. Jesus is for me. He is on my team and He is so strong and so gentle. I will finish the race and win if I race by His side.
He offers me even better refreshment than oranges and Gatorade. He is cheering me on. He has graciously put all of us in the race together. There is sweet comfort when we remember that we are not in it alone. We have the privilege of running along side each other while shouting, “You will make it!”.
The finish line is in sight and the one waiting at the end of the race loves us more than we can ever imagine. He has taken all of our burdens and He is celebrating us. Focus on Him. Focus on the finish. Put down your unnecessary burdens and run. Life is grueling enough without having to jump rope.