Send it

 
What a day.

Rae has been training for 6 months to run the Grand Rapids marathon, and today was the day. 

While there were hours of running to prepare for today, that isn't what this is about. While there were many many phone calls about running adventures, trails, and times, that isn't what this is about. While the marathon took her through her most favorites city in Michigan with her favorite places along the route, that isn't what this is about. While she had her best cheering section, filled with her boyfriend, her siblings, her friends, even that isn't what this is about.

It's about John.

John and Rachel were running near each other practically the whole race. She'd pull a little ahead, then he would, but throughout the 26 miles, they started talking. Two complete strangers, with nothing in common except that they ended up near each other today, encouraging each other. Laughing at their training- or lack of... just basically passing miles in short conversations. 

As they approached the final stretch, John took one last look at Rae, said to her, "You're pulling ahead...it's time to SEND IT!" And she did. She ran, looking strong through the finish line, where all her friends were waiting. 

When she told me about John and his encouragement to send it, it caught me off guard, touching my heart till tears overflowed. John didn't know it, but he was standing in for this mom and dad who couldn't be there to yell from the sidelines. I don't believe for one second it was a random meeting- because I do believe that every day, God puts people in our literal paths for us to both minster to, and be ministered by....just like this. 

How I hope we all meet our own version on John throughout the days. I hope we get encouragement and kindness with zero expectations in return. I hope I can be just like John, giving encouragement - being genuinely excited for others as they approach - and accomplish - something new. 

Rae needed the encouragement. I needed the reminder. Thanks, John, for both. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11  ** Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. **



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