PR.
In cross country, a major goal is to PR. To PR means to achieve a personal record. In other words, the goal is to get a faster time. I love to go to the Cross Country meets and watch the runners strive toward PRs. They train all week long working on their fitness, their diet, their sleep, and mental and spiritual health. Yesterday, after the race, I noticed one runner who was upset because he didn’t PR. He was frustrated. He did not want to talk to anyone. His competitive nature and desire to succeed were clear and appropriate. He needed some time to think.
I had witnessed him running, and I saw him run his best race. His form was great, his breathing was controlled, he was confident, and appeared to be moving faster. I did not want him to be discouraged because I knew he just ran his best race, but you just couldn’t appreciate it because of the numbers. To me, it was clear this had been one of the most challenging courses he had run because of the sharp 90 and 180-degree turns with lots of hills. While the numbers or the time didn’t show it, the runner ran his best race.
As believers, we come to communion to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to examine our hearts. We check our hearts. We reflect on our week. Where did we represent Christ well? Where did we not represent him well? Our goal is to grow in Christ and help others do the same.
I want to encourage you to consider your course. As you reflect, did you run an easy predictable course this week? Maybe you were able to go on vacation and everything went well. There were no difficult tests and all of your friends got along well. Or, did you run a challenging course? Perhaps you took on new servant leadership activities. Maybe you got some bad news or things didn’t go your way.
As you reflect, what kind of training can you do to prepare for the more challenging courses of life? I want to encourage you to keep reading His word and memorizing His scripture. Keep spending time learning and growing with other believers and seeking guidance. Praise God when you succeed and you can see the spiritual fruit. Pray for wisdom as you reflect on those things in which you are failing. Never stop training and never stop running the race!
Philippians 3:14 NIV
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Let’s pray
