Hebrews 12:1 – So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up.

Gratitude Day 914

Today, something that will happen that has been about 20 years in the making. A day made possible because of my friend Mary.

In the early 2000’s, I challenged myself to run a full marathon before I turned 40. Our neighbor at the time, Wil, was a runner. He dropped off a book about running for dummies at our house one day, intending for Rick to read it. I’m the one who read it and started casually running.

At this point, I had never really run more than a few miles at one time. Likewise, I am NOT a natural runner. I often say that I am a Clydesdale clopping down the road; not a gazelle gliding. Yet, I decided that this was something I wanted to see if I could do.

After I signed up for the 2004 Madison Marathon, I put together a detailed training schedule. Bought good running shoes. Lifted weights and got into decent shape. About six weeks before the marathon, I shared in worship my plan. The church youth group needed money to participate in a summer mission trip. I asked people to sponsor miles or half-mile of the marathon with the proceeds going towards the mission trip.

Less than a month before the marathon, I was out for my last long run: 22 miles. About mile 12, I noticed something aching but kept on running, determined to complete my training. Ten miles later, I could barely walk. I had no clue what had happened. A woman from church had shared with me her friend Mary’s name and contact information. Mary ran marathons. Maybe she could help me figure this out.

So, I called Mary. We had never talked before on the phone and now, I’m describing my injury. She quickly knew that I had pulled my groin muscle. The reality of my running a full marathon in a few weeks came to a screeching halt. It would take weeks to heal.

A few weeks later, I ran in the Madison Marathon; along with Hubby Rick, my college roommate Barb and a youth from church. We ran a rely marathon, where four people each run a chunk of the marathon. Mary ran the full marathon. She and I ran the first leg together. Then, Barb ran, the youth ran and Hubby Rick had the final leg. I hobbled across the finish line with Rick. Our little cheering crowd included Mary, who had finished earlier.

Determined to still complete my goal, the following year, I laced up my shoes again for the Madison Marathon and ran the whole thing. This year, Mary did not run. She and her husband, Allen, stood at various points along the route, holding up “Run, Pastor Dianne, Run!” signs. Mary, Allen and Rick were at the finish line, along with our neighbor, Marilyn. This time, our neighbor, Wil, joined me about mile 20 and ran the last six miles with me. My emotions spilled out of me at the finish line. A two year goal was completed.

Over the next several years, I ran a few half-marathons. My favorite was the Green Bay Half, when Rick and I ran it together. At the time, Mary and Allen lived in Green Bay. Mary dropped us off at the starting line and then headed to their church. She was assisting with worship that morning. Their church was right about mile 6. As we rounded the bend, we saw Mary and her “Run, Pastor Dianne, Run!” sign. She also had a “Run Kwik Rick!” sign, as Rick worked for Kwik Trip at the time. We passed her church just in time for her to step inside and start leading the 8 AM worship. After church, Allen and Mary met us at the finish line.

Mary has run 30 marathons and probably equally as many half marathons. She also is passionate about death by suicide prevention and speaks at many events each year. Through her church, she supports peace and justice issues, helps with worship and takes communion to the elderly. She has been involved in various organizations that support missions she is passionate about. Mary and Allen are very involved grandparents, even though the kids live a plane ride away.

Here’s the deal about Mary: she is clear about what she is passionate about. To these things, she gives her time and energy. While she cares for so many others, she knows boundaries in her life are also important. She is able to care for people because she fills her well regularly, which, happens to include running.

This past winter, Mary asked me to run with her in Savanah at the “Every Woman’s Marathon.” It not only supports every kind of woman, Mary knew I would love it because it promotes milk as part of athletic training. I agreed to do so, thinking I could sign up for the half-marathon.

One problem: there isn’t a half marathon. There is only a full marathon.

26.2 miles. It has been nearly 20 years since I last ran a marathon. I’m 20 years older, 20 years slower, 20 years not in as good of condition. Am I crazy?

Yet, this morning, Mary and I are lacing up our shoes and taking a jog through downtown Savanah for 26.2 miles where Mary will run her 31st marathon.

Why am I doing it? So, my friend Mary and I can finally run an entire marathon TOGETHER. We are not concerned about our time. Our only goal is to walk across the finish line together.

Everyone needs a friend like Mary. A friend you can call when you don’t really know what is going on. A friend that is your cheerleader, even when you aren’t aware that you need one. A friend that shows up and listens and encourages you. And yes, a friend that even pushes you beyond what feels totally outside of your comfort zone.

For years, I have reflected upon the sisters Martha and Mary story in Luke’s gospel. The one where Jesus shows up at their house. While Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to every word he says, Martha is scurrying around worrying about the food, the cushions, the hospitality. When Martha complains to Jesus about her sister, Jesus carefully tells Martha that being with him is far more important than doing for him.

I’ve struggled with this doing and being thing my entire life. My friend Mary has as well. Yet, I admire Mary for holding the two in tension together. She knows when to step back and care for herself. She also knows how to care for others and be the hands and feet of God.

Today, Mary and I will finish a goal that we might have discussed nearly 20 years ago. A run that has laid out in front of us for so long. With us, a great cloud of witnesses will plod along with us. We’ll try to leave the baggage of our lives curbside, if even for just a few hours, while we wind through the scenic Savannah neighborhoods. After we cross the finish line, we’ll toast our blessings with a cold bottle of chocolate milk.

I pray that you have a Mary in your life. Even more importantly, I pray you are BEING a Mary to someone else. Show up. Cheer them on. Challenge them. Help them live out dreams and goals that they might have forgotten about or thought were impossible.

We all need brothers and sisters in Christ like this. I’m so thankful my friend Mary is one of these in my life. Thanks for being one of my cheerleaders in life, Mary.

For my friend Mary, I am very grateful.

Blessings –
Dianne

Loving God – We are encouraged to run the race of life. To follow You and surround ourselves with others who will be our cheerleaders on our spiritual journey. Thank you for the Mary’s in my life who live and breathe this daily. Encourage me to be a Mary for someone else. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith) or on Instagram (diannedeatonvielhuber.)

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