Mexico City. 1968. The Olympic Games.
Nearly 3 ½ hours after beginning the race, Tanzanian marathon runner, John Stephen Akhwari, crossed the finish line. He placed last among 57 competitors in the event.
Midpoint in the race, Akhwari became entangled between other runners, was hit, and fell hard. His knee, hip and shoulders were badly wounded. Bandaged, limping, and gasping for oxygen in the high altitude, Akhwari entered the stadium for his final lap. Only a few spectators remained, but they stood to their feet and fervently applauded his courageous accomplishment and undaunted spirit.
Later members of the press asked, “Why did you keep running? The race was over hours ago.” Akhwari’s response was profound:
My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. My country sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.
At midlife many Boomers find themselves emotionally, spiritually, and even physically weary. They are wounded, limping and gasping for air. Popular opinion would convince them to sit out the rest of the race. Quit. Cash it in.
But God did not put our generation in the race – at this place and at this time in history – just to quit. He didn’t send us to start the race, but to finish it.
Take heart in John Stephen Akhwari’s story. Keep running. Whether you have yards or miles to go, follow your calling and run with purpose and passion.
Finish strong.
” I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” —Acts 20:24
written by Leona Bergstrom, Director, Re-Ignite
Copyright. 2014. ChurchHealth
Photo: ©canstockphoto47743344sean
