The summer Olympics are just around the corner.  A fact often repeated at my house.  You see, my husband is an Olympic junkie.  He is not a man who sits for hours watching sports.  Until it comes time for the Olympics.  And, then, day after day, he watches anything and everything--devouring it all.  For the thrill of the competition.  For the national glory.  For the heartwarming stories and personal profiles that accompany any and every sport.  Who knew one could become so enthralled with the sport of curling?  I love it about him.  I don't mind--it's just every two years.  So, I just accept that nothing else will be on the DVR.  There won't be room what with every moment of Olympic competition being taped.  

And, we, too are running a race.  Every day.  We are pressing on for the prize of eternal life with Christ.  We run and run and run.  And, we get tired and weary.  Life throws us curve balls in the pain and suffering and frustration that seeks to throw us off course.  It's all around us.  Families facing cancer.  Grieve from a death that came way too early.  Sickness.  Marital troubles.  Financial woes.  Or, even just the relentlessness of the mundane day in, day out of walking through the challenges of each day.  If you find yourself bent over, holding your side with cramps that threaten to stop your race, then read on.  If you feel as though you cannot take another step forward, then be encouraged.  If you feel all alone in your struggles, then this is a word for you.