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Pausing for Direction: What a Confusing 10K Taught Me About Life’s Path

In last month’s newsletter I shared how I was contemplating skipping a 10k race I had registered for. My head was full of excuses, and I almost had myself convinced to back out until I stopped to consider how I’d feel after the race if I did it, and how I’d feel if I didn’t. One choice, two potentially very different outcomes. I decided to do it.

Going into that evening’s race, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d glanced at the course map, but being unfamiliar with the area, it didn’t mean much to me.

With very little fanfare, the race began, and I tried to settle into a pace as most of the pack gradually passed me. With upbeat music in my headphones, I pushed my comfort zone with each mile and ignored the little voice that kept telling me to stop running. It was a struggle with the warm and humid weather, and my pace was slow, but I kept going.

Though the course wasn’t well marked, it didn’t matter, since I could always see a few runners ahead of me. All I had to do was pay attention and follow their direction.

With less than a quarter of a mile to go, we turned onto yet another street. I saw two runners ahead of me one minute, and the next minute they were gone. Knowing that the finish line must be near, I continued running. As I approached an intersection, I saw a curved line of traffic cones marking the road at one side. Suddenly, I was perplexed. Was I supposed to turn, or go around the cones and continue straight? I knew there’d be a turn at some point to get to the finish, but I didn’t know if this was the place. I looked around. Where were the other runners? Where’s the finish line?

Exhausted, overheated, and confused, I stopped running and stood in the middle of the street, not knowing what to do. Why wasn’t anyone directing the runners? Why wasn’t there a sign? Which way do I go? I needed help.

Thankfully, I didn’t stand there too long before another runner came along. The turn to the finish line was up ahead. I couldn’t see it from where I was, but in a few minutes, it was clear which way to go.

Not surprisingly, this race wasn’t my personal best. Even if I hadn’t lost time at the finish, I wouldn’t have beaten my best time. However, I did better than I thought I’d do and I felt better mentally having done the race than I would have felt if I’d skipped it. Plus, I experienced an important life lesson: Sometimes you need to pause and make sure you’re going the right way.

Life is easier when you know which way to go. A well-marked course is simple to follow. Unfortunately, the path forward isn’t always obvious. There are times you should stop what you’re doing, even though you don’t want to, and wait for help instead of going down a potentially wrong path. The next time you feel uncertain of your direction, I encourage you to pause and pray for guidance. The best way forward may be just up ahead.