Marathons in Rome happen around these seasons early spring or fall, when the weather is conducive to outdoor activities. Somehow there's a peculiar need to be updated of Rome's civic activities or events, as it is equivalent to the surface transport system being deviated or routes changed, which would force commuters like me to a walkathon of some twenty minutes. But I learned a wonderful thing about International Marathons. (As an online English teacher, I once had a rich student from Florence, who would travel with her husband to places as far as New York to join Marathons) It's from her that I learned some things about the protocol, the fees and the kit they cover (registration numbers and prizes), the fun of mixing with other groups etc.
But today I witnessed first-hand the awe-inspiring human solidarity among strangers from different nationalities; I figure they came from as far as north America, and mostly European nationales. In particular, I stopped awhile to observe all the tired yet inspired faces of runners, and beside me was a family waving German flags. I thought that they had waited and actually saw their running friends among the participants, as they shouted the names and greeted runners and encouraged and applauded each one. They continued for a few minutes then, I realized they didn't know any runner personally, they were just reading the names on their breasts and inspiring them. It gave a sense of value and solidarity to the participant. I walked a few meters ahead and there was this beautiful and young French girl doing the same thing in her own language. A few more blocks away, and a group of young people holding up placards in support of the runners. There were tables at regular intervals, giving away water tetra-paks. What a wonderful solidarity! There were a lot of screaming to encourage and support all the people inside the enclosure lane, and even people who are dressed casually or, are not registered, but were dressed to run joined the race. I saw a handsome young man collapse on the side road, and people helped him recover his strength, some couldn't run anymore, they were walking normally. Some, out-of-breath. Some seem to have unlimited energy.
I'm not sports-minded, the best context of running I know, is when Peter, JESUS' disciple outran John on the way to check out HIS tomb, after he learned that our Lord JESUS had resurrected. Or the awe-inspiring encouragement and support our Lord JESUS received from an angel, as HE was sweating blood in the garden of Gethsemane, while praying, before HIS crucifixion. Now, everyone of us has to inevitably run this race called Life. And would you know, there are clouds of witnesses who have passed on to heaven, cheering us on? In spite of the obstacles, the difficulties, in the realm that we can't see, there are souls, there are voices, and angels that strengthen us. In this material world, we can count on people to help us, to share our walk or race. But there is a place where only those above, can change or help our situation down here; their Head IS on our side. HIS Name is JESUS. HE DIED TO GIVE US ALL THE SUPPORT TO LIVE A VICTORIOUS LIFE. If you want to run your Life race with HIM, just accept HIM into your heart.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU, NOR FORSAKE YOU.
deut 31:6
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