Stamina

I've been thinking a lot about stamina lately.  My youngest son is a distance runner on the track team at his high school;  I'm absolutely amazed that he even wants to do that, because I have asthma--and think I've had it as a kid because I never was able to run long without becoming short of breath.   I've noticed,  however, that the more he runs, the longer he is able to run.  He's built up quite a bit of stamina after running every day after school and on weekends, and it really helps his focus.

It's the start of the 4th quarter at my school, and I've been talking to the kids about stamina as well;  4th quarter is a test of stamina for kids and teachers alike for many reasons.  First, we only have one day off this quarter---compared to several days off in 3rd quarter for snow days, conferences, holidays and Spring Break.   The weather gets nice, and those wiggly little bodies have such a hard time focusing on learning.  And the teachers have so much to do before the end of the year---so we end up having a real test of stamina all the way around!  Those of you that work with kids know exactly what I mean, and those of you that work in a quiet office cannot comprehend the challenge of getting 25 students to concentrate when they know the end is near---just multiply your anticipation of vacation times infinity, and you will begin to understand.

My personal struggle with stamina is with patience.   I have always hated waiting;  when I was little, waiting for Santa was excruciating.  When I was single, waiting for my sweet husband was unbearable. But my biggest struggle with patience is what I like to think of as long-term patience--what the Bible calls being long-suffering.  For example, at school, I can be pretty patient with our Kindergarteners, because many of them are inexperienced with school and really don't know how to act.  But by the time they get to Fifth grade, I expect better results, and have more frustration----even though I know that developmentally things affect their behavior.   At home, the first time I correct one of my boys, I'm pretty patient--but after the 250th time, it gets wearing (and often well before that!).

But while I have grown in patience, I am nowhere near Christ's example.   In pondering Holy Week, and preparing for Easter, I am most amazed at Christ's patience on the cross.   Crucifixion was designed to inflict the most pain and humiliation possible for the longest time---and before that Christ was lashed and beaten, humiliated, rejected and forsaken.   And, if that wasn't bad enough, God forsook Him as well.   And why?  So you and I could have a relationship with God.   And were we worthy?  Loveable? On His side?  NO!   What's even more astounding is that at any point, He could have said, "That's it!  I'm not going to take it anymore."   He could have ordered thousands of angels to destroy those who were torturing Him.  He could have made Earth a crater.  But he didn't.  Why?  Because he loved me.  Because He loved you.

Love is the true key to patience.  The Bible says, "Love covers a multitude of sins."  It also gives us stamina, because true love is not a feeling, it's a commitment.   My husband and I will celebrate our
25 th anniversary this fall.  While we still have warm fuzzies for each other, the real reason we are still together is about commitment.  The reason we still love our boys is about commitment.  The real reason I can go to work every day and love those little live wires is because of commitment.  And the reason I have a relationship with Christ and can celebrate Easter is because of Christ's commitment.  The Bible says God initiated it, and that it is only because of God that we are able to love Him.

It is fitting that the Bible calls life a race; it's a marathon, and we need to train ourselves in His Word so that we can cross the finish line with success.  We have an audience in heaven watching, cheering us in, and a personal trainer called the Holy Spirit.   Training is hard, but the rewards in eternity are worth it.  And the best part?  Jesus has shown us how to do it.

May you have a blessed Easter and renew your awe in Christ's sacrifice and celebrate that He is risen and coming again!