We Are On This Journey Together

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough,

Grace and Peace to each of you! I pray this newsletter finds you all in good health and spirits. We are all in a time of transition, so this passage from Hebrews seems appropriate. Please keep in mind that SpiritCare honors all faith traditions. This passage mentions Jesus, but you should feel free to substitute any sacred name that has meaning for you. We are on this journey together and what a blessing that is. ​

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2a
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Meditation 
There was a time when this passage made me uncomfortable. It reminded me when I was in high school and was encouraged to try out for track. I was very shy and not interested in athletic endeavors. The idea of running around a track had no appeal for me but there were those who thought the endeavor would do me good. As you can imagine, I was the one who was always coming in last, usually in a bad mood. I was definitely not chosen for the track team. It would take me many years to realize the value of coming in last.

As I began writing this, I thought of the Olympics, and a memory surfaced about an African runner who came in last because he had taken a terrible fall. Nonetheless, he was determined to finish the race.

​A fairly quick internet search revealed the story of John Stephen Akwari who came in last in the marathon of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. It took him over three hours to limp to the finish line, long after the accolades for the winners were concluded. 

He said he did not quit because he felt that his family and his country were counting on him to not give up, but finish this long journey he had started. While I do not know if a great cloud of witnesses was there to see him cross the line, many people did return to the stadium to witness his triumph. 

As I mentioned it took many years for me to understand the value of coming in last. The value of not giving up. The value of feeling compassion for others who are also struggling.

To walk (or run) a path of faith takes humility. The world loves winners, at least until the next winner comes along. Yet, we who are in the third part of our lives sense our winning moments are coming to a close. Yet, God is beckoning us to not seek trophies, but to become love. Jesus is still encouraging us to not hold on to this life at all costs. Our egos yearn for victory. However, when our egos calm down, there we will find God who has been with us all along, encouraging us to reach out to one another.

Prayer 
Holy One, help us to find the stamina and the courage to keep going. Many times we stumble, and many times we yearn to turn back because we are afraid. Yet, you constantly call us forward. We thank you for giving us good traveling companions. We do not have to journey alone. May we have the sensitivity to pause and see if someone appears to be lagging behind. May we always have the compassion to cheer one another on and to lend a helping hand when needed.
In gratitude we pray, Amen. 
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com