It gets me every time. my eyes well up as I watch the video of Olympic sprinter Derek Redmond, who massively injured his hamstring midway through his race in the 1992 Barcelona games. He started hopping toward the finish line, his pain palpable as he boldly tried to finish the race, even though he has no hope of winning a medal. Even more touching is what Redmond’s father did next. Jim Redmond leapt out of the stands and shook off security guards as he ran to hep his son reach his goal. The picture of a father holding up his son as he wept in pain and disappointment makes it one of the most inspiring moments in Olympic history. It is such a clear visual of the raw, messy, beautiful lengths to which we go to serve and love someone we care about.

We like to identify with the father in that story because we can probably imagine doing something similar for someone we love. But if we are honest, there are times in your busy, stressful lives when we are more like the injured runner. It sometimes seems as if we cannot take one more step forward without falling on our face. Whether it is a troubled relationship, a bad diagnosis, our child’s behavior issues, job security…. IT all weighs heavy on us and sometimes it feels like we can’t go on.

OF course, we like to limp along and pretend we can handle it on our own. We actually do a banner job. But you know what? There are people in our lives who want to leap the railing and run to our side, and grab hold of us as we try to reach the finish line. People who would consider it an honor to walk alongside us and be our companions during the difficult parts of the race.

YES, it means being vulnerable. It means the secret will be out that we cannot handle everything on our own. It feels risky, even embarrassing to ask for help. But, the beauty of allowing someone to help us as we limp toward the finish line brings tears to the eyes. A display of love (both giving and the receiving) that reminds us that we are never, ever alone.

Reflect- Have you ever come alongside someone as they struggled ? Think about how honored you felt to help them. Now think about someone who has offered to help you. Pray for God’s help to set aside your pride and allow them to take hold of your arms and help you across the finish lie today.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.”~ Aesop

~ FInd Rest