The sun was up on what promised to be a perfect fall day. I prayed this morning for our youngest son. David is a runner and has thrilled at the wind in his face and the burn in his lungs since elementary school. He loves the camaraderie of the team and the individual challenge of a personal best. My prayer this morning was not unlike many prayers I had prayed for him before on race day. I prayed for protection over the uneven terrain of a cross country course, for endurance to keep the pace and for wings on his feet at the finish. I prayed God would reward David's hard work and discipline, and his desire to honor God with his running. Now in college, David continues to be dedicated to God and his running. Hebrews 12:1 ". . .since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." has been his favorite verse since those early days.
On this day, the crowds are gathering at a beautiful park in Corvallis, Oregon. The runners are outfitted in their colorful team warm-ups and the fans are trying to keep warm and scouting the best places to view the race from. I continue to pray for David and his team as they line up at the start. I am bundled up in layers with a hat and mittens, the boys are stripping to shorts and singlet's. Every encumbrance must be laid aside, anything that entangles must be put off. "Lord, I pray, may David be sensitive to any sin in his life and confess it whenever and wherever it appears." The gun sounds and they are off. In the mass of runners it is hard to find David, but there he is in the lead pack. This is a new position for our son. We are used to cheering for him in the mid pack position, but today Lord you have enabled him to run stronger than before. You have honored his discipline. David not only holds on to that position, but consistently advances to second place over the grueling 8K course. Spectators are watching, cheering, aware of the pace of these front two athletes. I am praying for endurance, and screaming at the same time. The two are lost behind the trees for what seems like an eternity, then reappearing, we see only David, but the competition is not giving up yet. both boys pushing with every last ounce of strength.
Thank you Lord for this great day. Thank you for hearing and answering in this way today. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that David has given you the honor and glory for this win.