I adjust my ponytail and look at the enormous hill ahead of me. With my brow furrowed I put on my “game face” and continue to run. The term “game face” refers to the serious look on ones face when about to tackle something difficult or take on a challenge.
Because of our daughter’s interest in basketball we have been using the term “game face” a lot more lately. I find Rachel’s “game face” amusing. Each time, I can’t help but smile, because our happy-go-lucky girl is rarely this serious. I can recall last night Rachel furrowed her brow as she palmed the basketball back and forth. Her eyes were narrowed and focused in on her target. She steadied her feet and said with assurance “Nothing but net!” Swoosh..she scores!
As I continue to run, I pray for those who I know are tackling a difficult challenge, each wearing their own “game face.” I am two miles into my run and I can feel the weariness set in as the incline changes. I groan at another hill, another challenge. Unable to look ahead I keep my eyes focused on what is right in front of me. A deer runs across my path and startles me. As I follow it’s graceful glide, I notice a neighbor reclining on a lounge chair. I didn’t see this neighbor before because I had my head down and I guess you could say I was “in the zone.”
While I was running and unable to look ahead, my neighbor was reclining on his dock, beverage in hand, watching the sun set. God used the image of my neighbor to remind me that difficult times will not last forever. While I may feel weary now, soon I too will get to rest with my head up and watch the sun set.
Here are some inspirational verses to recite the next time you are wearing your
“game face.”
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?
So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
~April
“May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12
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