Marathons are 26.2 miles long, but the race truly starts at mile 20. The early miles are just the warm up. The last 6.2 miles is where the runner faces a deepening physical and mental grind. The runner’s body is working off depleted reserves while fighting increased muscle cramping. The mental game of maintaining focus gets into full swing as the marathoner questions if this effort is really worth it. The race of ministry leadership can be quite similar.
But first, a little bit about me. Mile 22 was not pretty on May 4th.[1] I was out for a personal best time at age 50 and had opened the first half strong. I was blessed to run with a new-found running friend half my age who was aiming to qualify for the Boston Marathon. This was just what my running coach, Eric Bofinger, suggested—do not race alone but stay paired with someone your pace. (Plenty of ministry leadership lessons right there.)
Now back to that messy Mile 22. My running friend had started his surge towards the finish line, and I was hoping to hang on to my pace. Running alone, I started to tense up my shoulders and arms as my mind was telling me that I was not going to be able to hold this pace, let alone finish. My breathing was getting shallower as my chest constricted, and my stride was no longer smooth as I overthought each step.
Mile 22 did not bring my happy face.
I rounded a corner deep in doubt, and three spectators were casually chatting at the edge of the trail. A little bit of clapping, subdued enthusiasm, but one of them calmly, yet clearly, said “Relax.”
Admittedly, my first thought was, “Did you just run 22 miles? How can you tell me to relax?” I would like to blame those thoughts on a lack of oxygen, but I do have some pride. Thankfully, the truth of his statement took root—I really did need to relax. I desperately needed to be reminded to ease into my run. More than hearing words like “keep going” or “looking strong,” I needed to hear the reminder to breathe easy, and find my trusty stride. I needed to relax beyond the moment.
When it comes to ministry leadership, rather than tensing up and trying harder, we often times need to relax. We need to trust God, find the pace where we best join Him in His work, and ease into the run. We also need people cheering us on in our leadership marathon.
When is the last time you and I cheered on our pastors or ministry leaders during their marathon week, month, year? When is the last time we cheered them on to relax with words from 1 Corinthians 15:58, inviting them to join us in trusting God’s faithfulness?
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)
Do we give good cause for our ministry leaders to relax at Mile 22?
[1] For any marathoners who might read this, I crossed the finish line at 2:47:29. I did land that PR.
