A Finish Is A Finish. Right?

Sometimes, in life, your finish doesn’t go as planned. In 2020, graduations have been just that: Not as planned! But, a finish is a finish, isn’t it?!

In 2017, I was running the 25k River Bank Run. The morning was quite humid, and I was prepared for a tough race. I must say, I felt pretty good, despite the heat. But, I knew that the temperature would rise in a hurry. And, it certainly did!

I noticed something odd at 13.1 miles. I just didnt feel right. I felt very tired. Pretty exhausted. I needed to walk for a bit to try and catch my breath. It really didnt help. I picked my pace back up, and went another 2 miles. That got me to mile 15. A half mile to go. And then…it happened.

“Amber. Amber? I need some water.” Amber and I have run several races together, and she sensed something was wrong. And, she was right. That was the last thing I remember. I don’t remember a thing for the next half mile. I basically blacked out.

Somehow, I kept going. I do remember small bits and pieces of things. Like being carried, hearing my wife cry out, “C’mon Tommy!”, and then, waking up in the medical tent. Yep. That happened.

Despite all of that last half mile drama, I finished. It wasn’t like I expected, but I made it. I crossed the finish line. And, I have a medal to prove it.

Class, and Parents of the Class of 2020, I know this finish wasn’t like you expected. You didn’t plan on not having a ceremony. You didn’t plan on not having prom. You didn’t plan on missing your senior all-nighter. But, you crossed the finish line. You have friends that helped carry you through. And, you have a diploma to prove it.

Sometimes in life, your finish doesn’t go as planned. But, what will you learn from that finish? “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:3-4)

Finish, and learn. Go make a difference. And always, Run By Faith.