Written by: Becky Hunter in Becky Hunter's Random Bits of Wisdom on July 9, 2012

On July 4, Joel and I put on running shoes and hit the pavement for a 3.1 mile "fun run." Or in my case, a 3.1 mile "sorta-fun jog." Joel had done 5Ks before. This was my first. In fact, I'd never even been to a 5K. But we both registered for the big event for a good reason. Hunter Vision, our sons' LASIK practice, was sponsoring that 5K in Winter Park.

Now a week post-event, my thoughts:

* A 5K is a bit surreal. It is about running, sweating and winning (no matter what people try to tell you it's about, trust me, those are the basics.) And it's also about the 4,200 people who show up before 7:30 a.m. on a holiday because they think one or more of those things are worth getting up for.
* A 5K is an equal opportunity event. Thousands of people of all ages, ethnicities, and proportions participate. And right before the race, nearly all of them wait in lines to use one of the multiple dozens of port-a-potties. I noted with interest that the women in those lines tend to be very chatty with each other while most of the men remain silent and gaze slightly upward, like they might be contemplating what to say to the press when they beat the world's record for a 5K. Think I might be stereotyping? Generalizing? I assure you that I'm not. Just stand in a potty line at a 5K and you'll know I've understated this reality.
* A 5K requires perseverance. And perseverance grows like crazy with encouragement. When that encouragement comes from a daughter-in-law it is simply the best. Our Lisa, who is in Olympian condition and could have won that 5K, graciously walked/jogged alongside me, telling me constantly how awesome I was doing breathing, running, not falling down, and stuff like that. Her encouragement was a huge blessing. And I'm pretty sure that it was her reminders of a free snow cone at the finish line that got me there.

I'm very glad I did that 5K. The race served as a great reminder of what it really takes to "run the race set before us." Anytime I am tempted to kick back and not participate in activities that help "bring up there down here" I need to remember that as part of the family of God, participation is not optional. I need to stay totally engaged even when I'm faced with difficulties on the journey. And while I run the race set before me, I need other believers who will cheer me along the way. People who will remind me of the blessings at the finish line. When I think how much I was motivated that day by a snow cone reward, the blessings of heaven should be sending me through life in a flat out Kingdom-building sprint!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).