Cheering each other on
I’ve never been a big fan of running. Toss in a basketball or a tennis racquet or a good game of elbow tag, and I’m much more interested. But lacing up shoes and setting out to run a set number of miles isn’t particularly appealing to me.
To be fair, I haven’t really tried to fall in love with running. I’d much rather find exercise in other ways. I deeply admire those who can run great lengths without giving up or wanting to turn around and go back home.
If you live anywhere near the Quad Cities, then you know well that this coming weekend is a big one for runners. More than 10,000 of them, actually. The annual Bix 7 race that begins with the great Brady Street hill is enough to weed out many amateur runners (like me). The hilly course is daunting, to say the least.
There’s a reason, though, that it continually attracts thousands of people from around the country. Not to mention the countless others who line the streets to join in the fun and cheer on participants. The joy of a road race like the Bix is that it becomes a communal event, a truly shared experience. Yes, there’s the people racing against the clock or trying to beat the elite. But the vast majority of runners love this race because of the camaraderie and joy shared among those in the street and on the sidelines.
It’s probably no coincidence that the Bible includes several references or metaphors related to running. The Bix wasn’t an event in ancient Israel, but the same idea existed—even something that has the appearance of a solitary act, rarely is.
I’ve heard many people tell me that they are spiritual but not religious. They have their own sense of faith but don’t feel the need to be part of a church or go to worship. But the reality is that faith isn’t meant to be an individual endeavor. It’s a communal experience. When we show up on a Sunday morning, we aren’t just there for ourselves. We’re there to sing for those who are struggling too much to sing the words themselves. We pray for those who are hurting in mind, body, or spirit. We surround each other to offer encouragement and hope and connection when we need it most.
Not so much unlike the beauty that will unfold along the Bix route this Saturday morning. Yes, those runners who make their way up and down the challenging hills are inspiring. But they’re also inspired by those cheering them on, encouraging them each mile, each step along the way.
You don’t have to be a runner or find yourself anywhere near the Bix race this Saturday to know this truth: there’s a place for you. Running and faith have at least one thing in common—everyone plays a part.
Phyllis Hofer
From someone who has been the singer and the “sing-ee” at St. Paul, Thank you, Katy.
Vida Luth
You really hit the nail on the head. I don’t like to talk about the knee surgeries I have had, but….when someone asks me how I am doing, or they say you look terrific walking. I know that they care about how my life is going. Connecting with God aids us in our connections with people. We are surrounded by a caring loving religious community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and bringing it closer in my mind.
Craig Witte
I’ve often wondered how to respond to those who don’t feel a need to be in church to be religious or have faith. The idea of community and togetherness being a major focus of who we are as Christians is an avenue I hadn’t thought of, but what you’ve written makes great sense, thanks!
Peggy Dreyer
Totally agree. Now I have a response that I did not have before. Thanks, Katy. ❤️
Sheila Mesick
Thank you Katy for the lesson in the message you have shared. It gives me strength and helps me understand everyone plays a part, even me.
Anne Budde
Katy…so thoughtful, so much to ponder. Thank you.