There is an endurance race called simply "The Iron Man". The race includes a 2.4 mile swim in the ocean or a river, a 112 mile bike, and then a 26.2 mile run. The competition started in Hawaii but has now spread around. It is called the Iron Man because it is a test of will and one must have a will of iron to actually complete the race. Yesterday I watched as my son completed the race. Actually it was a family affair. Karen, my daughter Rachel and my son-in-law Will, and Becca all ran around yelling encouragement to him during the different stages. It was blazing hot in Louisville and so even the 12-13 miles we walked to get to the different places took a toll. When my daughter Becca saw that Jeremy was struggling in the marathon she took off to run and walk beside him for 14 miles. I watched as other families did the same for other runners. People held signs and cheered. There were 2000 volunteers who helped with aid stations and traffic control. It really was amazing. The last two miles Jeremy ran faster than the previous 24. He could sense the end and hear the cheers. And when he finally crossed the line the announcer yelled, "JEREMY COFFEY, YOU ARE AN IRON MAN". It was actually pretty emotional. It got me thinking about life and friends and the church. Life can be a struggle. In some ways you really don't know what kind of person you are until life gets hard. I watched after the race the way the ones who finished treated each other. There is a deep respect. They all know something about each other that has to be true. They know when someone has finished that race that there is a toughness and tenacity and a strength that demands respect and they gladly give it. It helps to have people around who are cheering. People who love you enough to want you to just keep going and putting one foot in front of the other when everything inside of you is screaming to stop. People who will cheer as you near the end of your journey. Many of you are like that for me. I want to be that for other people. But in the end there needs to be something inside of us that is willing to do the right thing. A desire to finish well that is stronger than the desire to take the easier way. What we do in the toughest of times tests our metal. Every man would like to know what he is made of. Yesterday my son Jeremy found out at least one ingredient that is in him in abundance...iron.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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6 comments:
Joe,
I also know a young man who is an Iron Man in every sense of the word even though he cannot walk. You know him too. He is my nephew Tyler Esposito. Every since coming To HCC, the whole church has been walking beside Tyler and keeping him in prayer. As a result of that encouragement and prayer he has been healthier and happier than ever. Just goes to show that Iron Men come in all forms as does "Family".
Jeremy also has a warm smile and engaging personality, which is so different from the toughness you talk about that is needed for the "Iron Man" competition. Ideally, a man of God should be a "man of steel(or iron) and velvet," as as was Jesus when He walked the earth. And remains today.
Joe, great to hear the report. That is an amazing accomplishment. You and Karen should be proud.
Scott
A father's heart. The greatest example is our Abba Father. Connecting with Him in prayer transferring his will to our hearts to reach out and extend his grace to all who cross our paths to help them finish the race is godliness and holiness.
Isaiah 40:11, "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and He carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those who have young."
I taught Jeremy in Sunday school as a child. He has certainly grown up to be an adult that you and Karen can be proud of. He has had a great example at home for him to follow. May God continue to bless his life.
(Way to go Jeremy!)
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