Runners: yah-we're different continued

if you want a more clear image of what i'm refering to in this section, read the previous blog. it's kind of long, and pry to most of you quite boring, but it might offer some insight.

life is a marathon, not a sprint. unlike a sprint where you go all out for a short time. yourself for, life is a long race that you have to pace. there are so many parrallels to our life race and running a marathon it's amazing. here are a few i saw:
crazy runners- yup, that'd be me. i want people to say that about me spiritually to though. well maybe not that i'm crazy, but that i'm passionate and willing to do "crazy" things to follow Jesus and to be in His will.
Clothes rubbing- sometimes in the race of life people are going to rub you the wrong way and you're going to have to smooth things out
GU- those inspiring verses or sayings that give you the extra boost to keep going even when it's hard
Crowds cheering- fellow believers encouraging you along the way, letting you know that you're not in the race alone
Water Stations- Jesus and the never ending living water he provides
Wind Blockers- Christians who will go before you in prayer and intercession to block the "wind" of life for you when you're too tired or weak to do it yourself. also symbolizes teammwork and lifting and helping eachother in times of need
Race Position- there are ppl from all walks of life at diff parts of the "race". each one is going through something different. like in the marathon there were times that i was feeling great, but the person right behind me might have been feeling horrible
Course- the course is unknown and sometimes hilly and difficult. you have to trust God to guide you and get you through those tough times. you might not understand why you are at a certain point in the course, but God has it all worked out
Milage- there will be easy miles thata will be effortless. and also hard miles throughout life, but that's when you need to think of the finish and the great reward there.
Feet pounding- sometimes life just gets you down and you get tired of doing the same thing over and over. it's repitious, boring and difficult, but you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other
Coach- this was my dad. he gave me so much good advice. every Chrisitan should have someone in there life to go to for life's problems
Carbo Loading- memorizing Bible verses so you will always be ready to fight off the enemy or to share your faith
Sacrifices(bathroom stops,time, energy,nasty drinks...)- there will be times when the race is not fun and you have to do some unpleasant things that you don't want to do, but you need to keep persevering b/c it will be worth it in the end
Finish Line- heaven! and boy will there ever be a chorus of cheering when you come running in those gates! it will be a feeling beyond belief. you ran the race. you ran it well and God will be there saying "well done my good and faithful servant" and the rejoicing and singing and fellowship that goes on in heaven will make everything you went through on earth so worth it and the feeling will be indescribable
Sharing post race stories- in heaven we will be able to share our own life "race" stories with eachother and that will be such an amazing time!
Eating at Hard Rock Cafe- instead we will be feasting at God's table and praising Him day and night!

i'm sure that there's more symbolizm, but i'm also sure that you're already bored out of your mind, so i'll let it drop. i think you get the idea though. it doesn't matter the time you finish in or the place or the condition. what matter is that you do finish and give it your all here on earth. life is a marathon- pace yourself, and remember that just like there are bad "miles" there are equally as many good "miles." keep pushing until the end!