leaving it all on the course

Yesterday, my man-cub became an Ironman... yes, Ironman... as in the famous triathlon.  


His school hosted a mini-triathlon which consisted of 500 meters swimming, 2 miles running and 7 miles biking  (including a couple of steep hills).  The students could either team up with 2 other students and compete in just one event or they could compete as an Ironman... those that do all 3 events consecutively.  


Sixty-five minutes later, Eric was officially an Ironman... complete with a t-shirt and sheer exhaustion for his effort.  


Honestly, I'm beyond proud of my kid.  I think this is the hardest thing he has completed in his 14 years.  He came home and fell into bed and promptly slept for 6 hours!!


What makes me most proud was his attitude.  He was in it just to compete against himself. He told me the night before, "I won't place in the top three, Mom.  I just want to do my best and finish... and not come in last!"  He pushed against himself, completed the race and left it all on the course.

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. 

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, 

scorning its shame, 

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Often, it is my own children who teach me some of life's greatest lessons.  I want to be like my Ironman and run in such a way that when I reach the finish line I am completely spent and have left it all on the course.


...until then, I am an incredibly proud mom of an amazing young man!