Years of being a turtle who was not willing to endure any discomfort has taught me a valuable lesson---no one but you cares what place you were in the race. My racing took on more of a look of enduring. Could I endure enough or was I willing to endure enough--to finish the race? When I tell someone I have run several marathons---they never ask what was your place in the race---why most do not even ask how long did it take you (it seemed like an eternity in the moment)---in fact---most people could care less that I ran 26.2 miles in one outing. We are all so concerned about ourselves--they we seldom really listen to what others are telling us---UNLESS it has something to do with us. A sad commentary on the narcissism of mankind.
The fact is there is no mention of Mary riding a donkey in The Word. I invite you to research where this notion came from. It is fascinating and takes nothing from the story. The truth is---just as most marathons end up being a parade--so did this migration to Bethlehem. More than likely they were traveling in a caravan--since the way was dangerous and safety is usually in numbers. BUT I would dare say---they were more than likely toward the back of that caravan due to the discomfort for Mary while traveling. BUT they did make the 90 mile journey and the baby was born as prophesied. If they had "won" the race---more than likely there would have been room in that inn--but that was not the plan. Even if they came in dead dog last---they still finished the trek---and the baby was born in the stable among the animals. I dare say--in the excitement of the birth--no one asked---"Did you get to Bethlehem first?" NO---they were glad they were there---amazed in fact---and that a baby had been safely delivered -even in a stable--instead of along the arduous trail. Consider all the facts---and be amazed---it was exactly as God planned--that first Christmas.
"Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea,
to the city of David which is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
in order to register along with Mary,
who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant,"
Luke 2:4-5
.jpg)
It's not about where you are in the race, it's that you finish what you've started. God's plan unfolded the way He wanted it, too.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lulu!
Absolutely! Most marathons have a "Finisher" shirt. I love this!
DeleteBlessings!