As it appears to be Fun Run season for Melbourne schools, I was reminded of one very significant Fun Run in which I 'participated'. I was 11, had broken my wrist and was firmly told that a plaster cast was no excuse to not participate! (Can't say I didn't try! LOL!) Running has never been fun for me, but I was generally an obedient child. So...I began that "fun" run with all the other kids in my small, country school. I chose to walk.
I reached the halfway point, on that dusty, country road. After greeting the parent supervising, I decided to stay with her until the end of the race, and walk back with her. We chatted as we watched the other kids pass.
I don't recall how the other
kids proceeded. The biggest fact I remember, was I was the last person in the whole school (about 60-80 kids) to finish the course...and I was awarded FIRST PLACE for girls in my year level. I discovered that none of the other girls actually finished the course! I experienced a mix of feelings...shock, disappointment, disbelief, joy... The thought of not completing the course never crossed my mind!
What's the point of this story? It doesn't matter how quickly you finish a course - just finish. When you have a goal, don't worry about how quicky others reach the same goal. You have your own race to run in life. Stay in your lane, don't compare with others, and don't give up. Take one step at a time, take breaks when you need them, and enjoy the journey. In the end, all that matters is that you FINISHED the course. You may have different skills and methods to complete a task, just complete it. Like 11 year old me, you may receive a big surprise when you reach that finish line! 🦋
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ~ 2 Timothy 4:7
