CHOOSE YOUR PATH WISELY


While in Alaska, our group visited Seward after a morning hike on the Fourth.  It seemed quite fitting to view the famous Mount Marathon Race on this our nation's birthday.  The race is to the top of Mount Marathon which is over 3000 feet from sea level in the town of Seward.


The race has national acclaim and the entire town and thousands of visitors embrace the thrill of viewing the small number allowed to participate in the race.  The day includes a youth race--half way up the mountain; a women's race; and the climax event of the men's race, both to the tip-top.



All ages, sizes and shapes enter the grueling climb and slide back down the scree covered mountain.  There is NO definite path-pick your best path is the order of the day--as long as you get to the top and back down again--the way you go is up to you.



This year's race was run on a rainy-cloudy day.  Unfortunately we could not see all the way to the very top of the mountain, but we saw plenty!



 At times the race becomes a trial of perseverance--as one of the female runners told us---it was a hike--not a run.  



An act of maintaining balance and trying to stay on your feet marks the scree filled plunge back down the mountain.





Not everyone succeeds in staying vertical and many came down bloody and muddy.  There are always a handful of race ending injuries, and even a local legend about a runner who disappeared.



But everyone that touches this rock on the top and makes it back to the finish line, is entitled to proudly wear the "Finisher's Shirt".



In the Grand Delusion I live in, I am able to run this race on Mount Marathon---but in reality world-my body disagrees sharply.  I am certain you know where I am headed.  This looks exactly like life to me.  The path is my choice, but there will be hazards along the way.  Maintaining balance is essential, but when a fall occurs--jump back up and keep trekking the path.  Look to The Guide for path markers and direction and keep moving forward.  The goal is to finish well and receive the "Finisher's Shirt" with the satisfaction of a race run with integrity and a good finish as you cross the "Finish Line."  My prayer almost everyday is to "Finish Well."  For now--I am choosing my path with care and maintaining forward motion---with my eye on the prize.



I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 
II Timothy 4:7


6 comments

  1. So..................did you get to the top, Lulu? Just wondering....wow, does that look ever scary, I am afraid of heights and also since I am deaf in one ear, the inbalanace/equillibum (sp) wouldn't be so great.

    Great analogy. (as always, my friend!!) Have a beautiful day, Lulu!! Blessings

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    1. No we didn't even try on this one, but I did on others ! It was really something to see!
      Blessings!

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  2. Well done for trying to do this run, Lulu. I am proud of you. I doubt I could have gone further than 100 yards.

    God bless you.

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    1. Oh, Victor---did not try it---KNEW BETTER! I am flattered you even thought I could!
      Blessings!

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  3. Yipes! I'm such a chicken when it comes to heights, I got dizzy just looking at the photo of the brave (crazy?) souls at the top of the mountain. Guess I'll stay on flatter ground. Safer that way. My biggest risk taking is motorcycling, SCUBA diving, hunting and believing in Christ. In our modern godless society that makes anyone a "security risk". That's dangerous enough. *grin* ~:)

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    1. You have your own list of risks! I would take a hike up the mountain anyday over the dangers of the highway or the depths of the ocean! To each his own!
      Blessings !

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!