Running the race- Twice

I used to help Dad coach teams for certain events. Racing was a part of them and he would constantly be telling the kids "Don't look at the people behind you! Keep looking forward! You already ran that part. You run the race twice by turning around!" Of course, most kids didn't understand what he meant, or how it could slow them down that much, but they DID try to keep their eyes focused in front. To avoid the good natured ribbing of my father if nothing else.

Monty could learn a thing or two from these "kids" (although many of them are adults now). Or perhaps they could learn more from him than words could ever tell. When he runs- while playing, or while trying to escape his kennel, or while trying to avoid us getting the chocolate bar, library book or other contraband item- he turns his head completely around and watches us, instead of where he is going. This causes him to run into every chair, table, wall and anything else in the way. He's often run straight into one of us, or Charlie. And tripping over his own feet is not out of the question either.

While it is terribly funny to watch, it literally takes him twice as long to get where he is going. He is so much faster than us, it doesn't matter in the long run to him, but if he was running from an opponent who could match his speed, he would have no chance of eluding them. 

So, while looking behind you to avoid your enemies or watch for problems might seem like a good idea, it is far more likely that your adversary would never be able to catch you if you just don't turn around at all in the first place! Run always looking to the END of the race. The goal. The finish line. Looking at how far you've gone could cause you to miss where you're going completely!

Hebrews 12:1-2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God bless and see you soon,

Joelle