A Great Way To Start A Saturday

My daughters and I signed up to do the iCan race. The fifth and sixth graders at our church put the race on to raise money for a service project to help foster kids. If you know me well at all you shouldn't be surprised that I was drawn in by kids helping kids.  We signed up for the easy walk 5K.  

I just loved it. When I stood at the race starting line I was so impressed with the teens who sprinted off the take off line. I loved watching the church cheer on the fastest runners and encourage those of us who were slower. Along the race line were signs which had cheerful sayings to keep us motivated. iCan pray. iCan encourage others. iCan persevere.  iCan try harder. iCan share Jesus. As we approached each sign my kindergartener sounded out the words. 

Somewhere in the middle the little one started to lag.  Her legs hurt. I grabbed her hand and we soldiered  on.  We rounded a corner and up ahead was a refreshment station manned by the kiddos from church.  One of our friends saw us. She came running forward, cheering on my little one, bringing us water. I almost started to cry. Not at all because the race was difficult. But because in her action I saw the church. This is what we are supposed to do for each other.  Encourage. Cheer. Aid. Run toward. Smile.  

We turned back and hustled our way to the finish line. My youngest one needed cheered on. Her big sister prayed for her. I held her hand. We kept walking on the path in the right direction. You see the sermons hiding in there right? 

At the end of the race our children's pastors were standing at the finish line. They saw the little one. She decided to run and finish strong.  I'm telling you I almost cried again.  Not because her action was so amazing. Because its was a symbol again of what the church does.  Her pastors cheered and yelled and encouraged her to finish the race.  When she crossed the finish line they both gave her a high five and welcomed her home.  Seriously more sermons.   Great way to start a Saturday.