As far back as we have recorded history, Humans have run the race set before them. In actual races they have run, swam, ridden and driven to be the fastest, the best, the first. The desire within to say “Yes I can” or “ Yes I did”, motivates each to find their niche. Some trust in horses and some in chariots, and some possibly in their own strength. Training is vital to being best. Good nutrition and proper exercise will enable the best development to happen. But for the one who will run in the sport of athletic competition, being the fastest runner is dreamed and sought with many trials and often tears. Admiring the accomplishments of others and wondering if it can be done better drive fertile minds to obtain mastery over their muscles. It is the race in which they are determined to become the victor and champion.
Legs, Lungs or Longing will keep you from the race. Without going into the depths of each facet, desire comes with an acceptance of the possibility of success. Having the physical capacity to breath in the oxygen which the body uses to fuel itself is essential. Muscles and sinew wrapped around bones with working neural pathways are provided for the journey. A race has a start, a course and a finish. An improper start will be penalized and complicates any effort to finish, let alone to win. Winning, being the first to finish is the long sought prize. The running of it is different than the finishing. It is a journey, a course wrought with many obstacles and opportunities. The desire to run is the beginning. Some run out of fear, some out of joy. Some run for glory and some to cease from being poor. Every soul runs their race. Every race is won by someone and lost by others.
There is a race which must be run, and is by every soul.
It is the race of life with heaven as its goal.
Aches and pains and hardships, all will take their toll.
Some days the path is well lit, on others dark as coal.
With strength of steed and mighty speed or clumsy as a foal.
Still daily must the race be run, from valley unto knoll.
To never run, to start and stop, to fall into the hole.
Are but the same outcome to the lost and wandering soul.
Hope is sprung where one will run and lights the path to show
Truth is the way to follow and wisdom best to know.
Not in the faint nor weak in mind will hearts be found aglow
For you know not in whom or where the Living Spirit doth blow
Spurred on to the prize before the soul of man must go
To the promised reward or to eternal pain far below
But there is a race which must be won with heaven as its goal.
It is the race of life and it is run by every living soul.