Turkey Trotting

With less than a mile to go in Saturday's 5K Turkey Trot, I mostly just wanted it to be over. However, I could tell that the person up ahead was fading fast, and the ever so weak and gasping vestige of competitiveness still brewing deep within me, compelled me to go after her. My plan was to blow by and make a statement. Not with words because that would be rude (and would require actual breath), but with a bounce in my step and a very brief surge of speed intended to emphasize my superior staying power. I wanted, in effect, to cut her off at the knees.

"Good job," she panted in my direction as I made my move. "Keep going." She had a sweet voice to match her tiny teenage frame, and this unexpected display of good sportsmanship knocked the killer instinct right out of me. I scrapped my blustery Blow-By Plan, and instead, matched her stride for stride.

"You're doing great," I huffed. "I think you can take that person up ahead, and then those other two after that." We chatted lightly back and forth and I noticed that she stepped up her pace with the distraction of our conversation. Finally, with the finish line looming, she scampered off and left me in her dust.

Sometimes it's good to be reminded that coming alongside someone can be more enjoyable and far more rewarding than looking out for my own interests.

The apostle Paul certainly knew that satisfying feeling, because he came alongside people all the time. Whether at the riverfront in Philippi, the synagogue at Thessalonica or in the marketplace of Athens, Paul joined people in what they were doing and ended up impacting their lives forever. He could have stood on the sidelines and barked orders and criticism, like a fanatical soccer dad, but instead, he encouraged them in their good intentions, sweated beside them in their labors, spoke the truth in love, and demonstrated righteous living.

Paul's leadership style is good to remember when I feel too insignificant to have a positive influence on others. It's good to remember when I'm trying to be effective in ministry and in my various roles as parent, wife, family member, friend, and neighbor. His leadership style reminds me to connect with those around me and to work at staying connected, even when I'd rather not. It reminds me to trust the Holy Spirit--the One who comes alongside me--to work in the lives of those around me, and to consider what a privilege it is to even be included in the panning out of His plans for them.

I'm not suggesting that trotting next to someone for a few minutes during a fun run compares in any way to Paul's amazing work, or that racing and competing for the gold is wrong. In fact I plan to do just that with bells on in next month's Jingle Bell Dash. But just when I least expected it, when I was tired and self-absorbed and a little bit smelly, I was reminded that sometimes the very least we can do is come alongside someone else, and sometimes that is exactly enough.