The Race Continues
/I’m not usually a binge-watcher of tv shows, but last weekend I got completely absorbed by Eco Challenge (The World’s Toughest Race), watching all ten episodes over two days. The irony that this coming weekend I’m preaching on God’s amazing race wasn’t lost on me and made me want to see the whole story.
For those who haven’t heard of the show, it’s extreme racing. This season it was held in Fiji and the 66 teams of four from around the world spent eleven days with little to no sleep completing the nearly 700 kilometre course. This included hiking, paddling, mountain biking, swimming, rock climbing and rappelling. 22 of the teams didn’t finish due to injuries, hypothermia or not making it to a checkpoint on time. I was thrilled that all four Canadian teams made it to the finish line.
The race of making it through this pandemic has lasted well beyond eleven days and the finish line is nowhere in sight. We’re supposed to keep trekking, in unknown territory without a reliable map. For some in my congregation the finish line of their lives is coming more into view and this reality requires preparation and involves unknowns as well. The race of doing ministry is lifelong for those who have accepted this vocation. The form may shift and change, but we will never not be called to serve our God.
I learned a lot watching Eco Challenge that can help us in whatever part of the race we find ourselves:
pace yourself - you’ll never reach the finish line if you go full tilt from the start - this journey is a marathon, not a sprint
be aware of the conditions - plan what you carry with you and be respectful of the elements and people around you - i.e. Covid-19 has made a variety of approaches and activities un-doable, at least for now, or needing a major re-think
take advantage of rest stops and checkpoints - Sabbath time is needed now more than ever, - stop and refuel physically, spiritually and mentally as often as you can so that you have the stamina to continue
use your team support person - each Eco challenge team had someone meeting them at points along the way who tended to their needs, could give them an overview of what was happening and spoke encouragement to them - cultivate support people and make sure you check in with them regularly
talk to the expert host - the show’s host popped in on teams and encouraged them, often flying above them in a helicopter - our host is God known to us in Jesus - be sure to take opportunities to listen to advice and to just spend time with Him
How we run the race is so important. I was so proud when in one episode a number of teams had gotten lost and it was becoming dark. A veteran Canadian team arrived and their captain calmly figured out where they were and led them back onto the right path. A long line of racers was visible only by their headlamps in the dark as they made their way to the checkpoint in safety. How we run the race matters. It’s not just about us, it’s about bringing other people successfully with us so everyone can experience the joy of finishing well.
As your own race perhaps ramps up with September now here, I pray that you care for yourself well and for those around you and who you are called to serve. God is with us, and a great cloud of witnesses is cheering us on. Scripture tells us that the challenges we encounter may cause suffering, but that produces endurance and character and hope. We always have that hope with us. So keep on keeping on knowing that you are loved and beloved. Race well and go with God.