This weekend marked the Chicago marathon. Runners come together from all fifty states to run, what is considered, one of the top five major marathons around the world.  They train for months and set their own goals. 

All of their training comes down to a few hours one morning.  The crowds gather, both to run, and also to cheer in support of all who are participating.  The gun fires and the runners are off, pacing themselves for the grueling 26.2 miles ahead.   It is a race of perserverance. 

While I am not a runner, I can respect those who train and have the discipline to run a marathon.  They inspire me to "run with perserverance" in my every day life. 

Congratulations to all those who participated in the Chicago Marathon yesterday!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,^* and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of^* the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:1-2