'You've got this!' - weekly reflection 20th October 2024

This is the last slide that is presented when we conclude our time together in worship at St Oswald’s. Rugby. It sits alongside a question, ‘who can you encourage this morning.’

Encouragement was something I experienced as I ran around the streets and lanes of Rugby for the Rugby Half Marathon this morning.  At the age of 73 I was pleased with a Gun Time of 02:28:29. Long gone are my days of getting in sub-two.  With age you simply must accept these things.  What was great was that on a wet and windy day the number of people out along the Course, cheering us, many with encouraging placards to spur us on, ringing bells and handing out sweets.  And the huge encouragement as you round the final corner and head for home and the finish line.   It is little wonder that one of my favourite and oft quoted Scripture text is Hebrews 12.1. ‘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…’

As an older runner I follow a Facebook page for Runners 60+ and today there was this very heartwarming story.

Thank You: the gentleman who chased me and gave me a bottle of water

I was in Hartford Marathon yesterday. At about mile 22, I suddenly feel nauseous and need water badly. Saw a gentleman sitting on the lawn and cheering us along, there were two shining water bottles in front of him. I didn't hesitate and asked for it, until I noticed the empty water bottles. He said sorry. I just pushed forward. I was at the edge of collapse, and did not feel well. I cannot remember how long, just heard a voice, "somebody needs water?" I said yes. He twisted the cap and gave me the water. With it, I was able to push along and finished the race.

This is my first Marathon at the age of 62. Without that gentleman's kindness, chasing me and gave me water, I might not be able to finish a marathon in my lifetime. Thank you!

(Of course it goes without saying, or at least it should, that ‘encouragement’ can also be to do something wrong or illegal - some of the residents in our prisons will have taken such encouragment.)

A simple reflection this week, as you can imagine, I am just a tad tired!

And a simple challenge as you step out into the week, ‘who can you encourage.’

To close let me return to the Book of Hebrews, and I love the way ‘The Message’ presents Hebrews 10.24.   

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.