Hurdles

In spite of the cameras and relative strangers invading every moment, we all survived the day quite nicely. They were actually pleasant and the experience was a blast. But now it is over. My daughter told her husband yesterday morning as they were envisioning our anticipation, "Mom is most glad that her house got cleaned and picked up!" She was pretty accurate in that statement. How do they know us so well?

But today is on to the next event, or two...

I'm not complaining -- well, not exactly -- when I say that I don't prefer "hurdle" seasons. You know, living from one happening to another with eyes focused only on the next short term goal. I panic a bit when my gaze is moved from the finish line. I prefer the sweeping perspective of marathon racers. They are running with the whole of the race in mind. Funny. For them the challenge is to not get lost in the moment. I guess every type of race presents its own difficulties and tests.

But like it or not, for the next several days we are hurdle jumping. There is an awareness of the track stretching beyond, but for now, that next obstacle is in my way and I need to concentrate on successfully catapulting myself and those in my charge safely over. So, get that stride right, pace it correctly, gather extra strength, and -- P-U-S-H -- up we go. Stretch and reach forward. Lift that knee up and out so it doesn't catch on the way over. Careful now. Clear that toe. Ahhhh -- success. But don't think about it now. There's another hurdle just steps away. Get that stride right, pace it correctly, gather extra strength, and -- P-U-S-H -- up we go!

If my high school coach could only see me now...

Let the saints be joyful in glory. Let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth! Amen! Our God reigns, in all things and in all places! Let His people give Him praise always!