“My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15: 31).

For those of us who run, fall is often known as “Racing Season”.  Or, for the more ambitious, “Marathon Season”.  Preparing for fall races starts in the summer.  Runners trade a little extra sleep for early morning long runs or prioritize the evening workout at night, instead of plopping down on the couch after work.

But with summer training comes the potential for disappointment.  That fearful feeling that an ache in the knee might be debilitating.  Or realizing that the goal you’ve set isn’t realistically attainable.  You start feeling like you’re not good enough, you can’t be a “real” runner, or you don’t belong with others in the same race.

After all, it’s easy to see that the accolades are given to those who run the farthest and the fastest. Who cares if you enjoy running if no one thinks you’re any good at it, right? What’s the point of all that work if there’s no payout at the end?

So, I can empathize with the second son in this parable. He believes he put in all the hard work, and now it’s time for his blue ribbon.  He wants his father to declare him the winner! He wants to be validated as the “best son”.  It’s a message we often hear today.  Your accomplishments in this world determine your value, so you better not just work hard. You better win! 

But his father reveals the truth to his son.  His father loves and values him because he is his child. He is valuable because of who he is, not what he does or doesn’t accomplish.  

So as I persevere in my summer running, I’m also focusing on my relationship with Jesus.  Some days it’s easy. Some days it’s hard. Sometimes it feels like I’m putting in all the work, yet I’m struggling to get over the hills.  Much like a tough race, the key is to keep taking steps, one after another.  But I never take those steps alone in my life.  Jesus loves me, and he’s always alongside me, to help me persevere even when this world is trying to slow me down, convince me I don’t belong, or tell me I should just quit.

He runs with me every day, not because I’ve earned it, but because he has made me his brother and he loves running with me, regardless of my pace or place at the finish line.

How’d your summer go? Do you feel like you’re in great shape heading into the fall? Or are there aches and pains? Maybe feelings that you’re not good enough?  You don’t need to run to Jesus.  Jesus is already running beside you!  How can He help strengthen and motivate you going into this fall season?