Yesterday, I wept for Boston.

I did a 12k once and completed 3 triathlons. But I have never run a marathon.

As I heard the news and watched the horror that those in Boston had experienced 2 hours earlier, my heart grieved and I covered my eyes to what I was seeing. My ears heard the screams of innocent people stunned in the aftermath and fear. I cried out, “Why, God?”

Evil has touched our nation once again.

But evil has not triumphed. It lost a long time ago. It rears its ugly head only temporarily to remind us that our lives are precious and not to be taken for granted. It reminds us that people, strangers, healthcare volunteers, law enforcement and others, respond in acts of kindness beyond themselves. We were made for relationship. And we respond in compassion to those in need.

Yesterday, I grieved with all those around the world that were connected to this horrific tragedy and loss of life and limb there in Boston.

This morning I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. That darkness is never dark to Him. That I live, move and breathe in Him. My very existence is held in the palm of His hand and all my days here on this earth are numbered. I will never understand on this side of Heaven why some lives are taken, by what seems to me to be, too early. Why evil has to persist long. I will never understand the full extent why we humans have to go through painful experiences in our life: many times by things that are beyond our control.

As I reflected on those who lost so much yesterday, I was reminded of what God has given me. I used the legs that carry me and I moved them. I hugged my son with my arms. I kissed the lips of my spouse who is my best friend. I used my hands to pray and play the songs that I write as a songwriter on my piano. I listened to sounds of the birds chirping from the nearby tree. I looked with my eyes at the creation and at the beauty of a frail humanity that needs a Savior. There are some who never see, never hear, never walk, can’t hug. But I can. I take it for granted.

To all those who have suffered; to all those who didn’t get to cross their finish line yesterday in Boston; to those who were so excited to watch their family, neighbors and friends run such a historic and prestigious race yesterday and then left this earth so abruptly:

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells, God is within her, she will not fail, God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts, The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” Psalm 47:4-7

There is a finish line with a prize greater than anything this earth can offer. Be still and know that He is God. He is the One that can bring you your comfort when there are no answers. He has swallowed up death in victory. Evil’s power lost it’s grip when the perfect sacrifice laid down His life for all and brought it back up again. Those of us who remain, we are ALIVE. There is hope in a fallen world. There is One who knows our suffering: Christ Jesus.

This morning I didn’t want to run.

But this morning I was compelled to run.

I laced up my running shoes and put on my mismatched running gear.

Because others can’t and I can…

 

Today, I ran for Boston.