Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrew 12:1-2 (NLT)
Snow in 50 states? Although a dusting of snow covers the Catalina Mountains that surround our home, I’m glad I live in Arizona. Being a California girl, snow was a choice and shoveling, chaining, heavy clothes, and COLD are good for about three days and then I’m done. The weatherman has predicted temperatures in the 70’s for the rest of the week.
My grandgirlies and family spent a weekend in Lake Tahoe a couple of weeks ago. They emailed pictures and videos and I loved all the smiles and whoops of laughter. Tori, my middle granddaughter, later enthusiastically shared how much fun it had been. She spent the day sliding down the hill in a big purple saucer but added, “It was a lot of work to go back up the hill.” I asked her whether the heavy clothes and boots she had to wear might have made the trip harder. She readily agreed that they were a pain but reiterated all the extra effort was worth it.
Life often mimics a roller coaster with the ups and downs coming faster than we can handle. Just when we seem to have things under control, the phone rings, the mail arrives, or the doorbell chimes and our world is turned upside down. Paul reminds us that we are not in this rat race alone. However, if we don’t let go of those things that bog us down – our failures, worries, and fears – they’re going to trip us up. Drop that weight at the foot of the cross and focus on the One who loves you and is your biggest cheerleader. Run!