Setting the Pace

In the midst of our celebrations, milestones, and all-out partying of last week, I promised a marathon update this week.

Yes, they did it!

My husband and dad completed their second marathon this weekend! My husband had set a goal of 3:35, and he finished in just 3:34:47! That's 18 minutes faster than last year! He was thrilled!

I, of course, am writing from a spectator's (i.e. #1 fan's) perspective. If you want to read a marathoner's point of view, visit my husband's blog. However, as one who stood huddled together with all the other cheering fans on another chilly May morning, I have to say that there is nothing like the exhilaration of a marathon! From the sense of community that's built as we attend the Pasta Dinner the night before the marathon...to going for a ride in a double-decker bus along the 26.2 mile marathon route...to mapping out the best spectator spots at which to cheer on our guys. Our favorite spectator spot is at mile 6, a church whose praise team is out on the grounds leading in worship. "Indescribable," "Your Grace is Enough," and many other songs ring out from the speakers. As I wait for the sight of my husband, I sing quietly to myself, praising and thanking God for His grace and transforming work in our lives. I typically get somewhat emotional at this spot, so overcome with joy and gratitude!

I love to recount the work that God has done in my husband's body over these past 2 years. Each day I watch as he makes a choice to get up out of bed and run his scheduled distance. He makes choices that will help him meet his goals. He disciplines his body and practices self-control. He says "no" to good things so that he can say "yes" to better and best things...not only in running, but in all of life. I've thanked God many times that our boys and I have this example in their dad. I'm thankful that we can watch him and see how he's embraced change. Oh, he's not perfect...he hasn't arrived. But I'm thankful that he humbly and consistently desires to be more like Jesus. I'm thankful that he gives Jesus access to his heart...to mold, shape, and conform him to His image. He's setting the pace for our family, and I'm overjoyed that we can imitate him as He imitates Christ (see 1 Corinthians 11:1).