A Heavenly Race

 

           Ordering Boston Creme Pie

Holly and Jessica ran the Boston Marathon today. It was cold and rainy but a great day for both finishers. I am so proud -  Boston Strong - Burbidge Strong!

  I remember the euphoria of running and finishing the Boston Marathon in 1998 with my friend Liz Cook.  Our friend Mary Glauser was also there - a little ahead of us. She was our trainer and thanks to her we qualified at the St. George 1997 Marathon. 

Much of life has passed since then - many miles of happiness and sunshine and also miles of sorrow and heartache. Running really is a metaphor for life. I remember waiting for "Heartbreak Hill" toward the end of the marathon. It really wasn't so hard then but life has a way of teaching us. It came and I'm still climbing. 

Holly attended a "Blessing of Athletes"

at the Old South Church yesterday. She was so touched by the message and I hope to find it online or have Holly write what she remembers. 

They sang a hymn she loved - music-George F. Handel, text-Phillip Doddridge

 

Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve,

And press with vigor on;
A heavenly race demands thy zeal,
And an immortal crown,
And an immortal crown.

A cloud of witnesses around
Hold thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge thy way,
And onward urge thy way.

’Tis God’s all animating voice
That calls thee from on high;
’Tis His own hand presents the prize
To thine aspiring eye,
To thine aspiring eye.

Then wake, my soul, stretch every nerve,
And press with vigor on,
A heavenly race demands thy zeal,
And an immortal crown,
And an immortal crown. 

Hebrews 12:1-3 and 12-14

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see The Lord.