Hebrews 12:1-2 from The Message

Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 from The Message

Feeling nostalgic, I started to consider all those people in my life who had an influence--positive or negative--on this life of mine. There's sweet Miss Mary who sits in the back of the church every Sunday who raises her hands in praise and offers the feeble but faithful "Amen!" when the preacher gets it right. There's the fireball preacher's wife who stays the course through all the criticism and emotional highs and lows. There's the best friend that has seen me at my worst and at my best and still prays for me diligently. There are my sweet children who hang on my every word and are soothed by my touch.

Miss Mary was a trailblazer. She saw the church dwindle to nearly nothing but through pray and diligence now basks in the glory of her Lord every Sunday as the church thrives. Miss Mary has seen children born and elders meet Jesus for more years than I'll probably live. She's experienced joy and heartache. Miss Mary is a tribute to the pioneers. She paved the way for our new generation and whole-heartedly cheers us on.

The preacher's wife loves her husband and is a pioneer by his side. Together, they are blazing a new trail. The path Jesus is creating at this moment in time. They are working to train the pioneers of the future of the church. Preacher and wife learn from the pioneers of the past, trust God to lead them on the path of the present, and cheer on the pioneers of the future. What an undertaking! But, oh! How equipped they are!

My best friend. We are learning together. I find our conversations have taken a turn from the superficial in's and out's of the day's events to deeper, more meaningful, spiritual topics. We've come a long way together. Despite distances and time, God has used us to encourage one another in our separate journeys. Although we are at very different places on life's journey, He always puts words in our mouths to exalt or admonish the other.

Daniel and Blakley are part of my journey. I've become a stronger Christian because of them. God has entrusted them to my care and has used them to mold me into the servant He would have me be. There is nothing more humbling than your own child looking into your face pointing out your shortcomings. They are only beginning this race.

These are just a few, but God has used all sorts of people in my life to achieve His ultimate purpose. Whether through encouragement or discouragement, I must remember: Christ endured it all. He experienced shame like no other man. Now he's sitting at His Holy Father's righteous right hand, preparing a place for me. Each day I experience trials of all shapes and sizes. Each day I must decide to walk in Jesus' holy footsteps, or stomp my way through the muck and mire of my own chosen path. Too often I stumble and fall into the pit of despair, but every time He plucks me out of the slimy pit and sets me back on His path for me.

As I blaze this trail called life, I must set my eyes on His example. While I can't live up to it alone, with Jesus as my example and interceptor, I will live in Glory with the Father, offering never-ending praises. I pray that Jesus gives me the strength and guidance to run this race and offer a worthy example for those who travel behind me. I pray He never lets me quit.