I completed my first big race here in country. We did a 10K/6Mi race around the base. Several hundred people showed up to participate. It was exciting and a great way to release some tensions over here. About 10 people from my Battalion came dressed for battle. It was good to know I was not alone in this insanity.
One of the runners was a young private who I knew was one of the faster men in the Battalion for the two mile Army physical fitness test. As the pistol fired to mark the beginning of the race I was quickly caught up in the excitement and just as quickly realized I needed to slow down. My young friend blew by me shortly after I slowed. I smiled; perhaps remembering my own zeal and passion in years past.
I was running my race and Sgt Sward (who was also running my race at that point) was talking with me as we ran. About half way through we came upon my young friend. He was running very, very slow. I smiled. This time glad it was not me hanging my head half way through a race.
Sgt Sward began to chide the youngster and a few minutes later shifted gears and began running his race. I never saw him again. Slowly but surely the youngster was slipping even behind me. I hollered back at him to get up with me. He did. I talked to him. He listened and caught his breath. I reminded him about the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Now he smiled.
I remembered that he was newly married and I had heard about a recent fight between him and his spouse. He assured me it was going just fine. He said he had it under control. The sirens were going off in my head.
Why are we so proud? I can remember a hundred times being in this guy's shoes. I asked myself today if I am still like that. Do I still brush off the insight and advice of my elders? I can clearly remember times in the recent past that I have. When I am in a position to learn I still fight to keep silent and find myself listening and preparing my response at the same time. I am convicted because I constantly interrupt those who try to speak into my life.
Twice I caught up to my young friend. He eventually finished in front of me.
To all of my young friends and some of you old fools like me I will review Proverbs 1:30-33, "since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
Stay alert friends, run the race, do not be disqualified, seek the experience and understanding of those who have finished ahead of you.
Always remember that God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
Blessings on you and your day
