Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us."
NIV
I had worked very hard seeking to prepare my cart
pony, Frank, for the July 1st, town parade. We had traversed many miles together
along roadways and through forest trails where he was exposed to new sights,
sounds and smells. I even had the fire department sound their siren next to the
corral, when they came to do a burn on our property, thus exposing Frank to this
unexpected and blaring noise. In a town of only 350 people however there was one
thing I couldn't expose him to and this worried me. Crowds of people lining the
streets and clapping and shouting only happen on July 1st, parade day. How would
he react? I had no idea. He didn't mind vehicles but was always leery of people
walking on the street, especially if they had dogs with them. And parade day
always had lots of both.
The big day finally arrived. I was up early.
Preparations were made. The cart was decorated. Frank was harnessed. We set off
for town. I asked to be last in the parade line up in case I needed to remove
Frank or get out of the cart and guide him through the streets. The sirens
blared and the procession began. This was it. We turned from the side street
onto the main avenue and there they were; crowds and crowds, even more than
usual due to another weekend event. People were clapping and cheering. Frank's
big moment had arrived and he aced it; straight and steady, start to finish, a
born parade horse. I was so incredibly proud of him, but so were so many others
who had lined the streets and cheered him on, knowing this was his first parade.
What an encouragement.
Likewise, as Christians, we too are surrounded by
those who cheer us on as we walk through the parade of this life. We are
surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are all pulling for us, hoping that
we ace it for Christ through our thoughts, words and actions. So let us
therefore continue to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so
easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the parade route God has
marked out for us.
Prayer: Father God, thank you that we are not alone as
we run the race you have marked out for us. Thank you for all those who
consistently cheer us on from the sidelines of the spiritual realm. Bless us
this day to remember that they are not judging us but running with us,
co-partners for Jesus Christ, in this, our parade of life. In Christ's name we
pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, B.C.
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