09.08.08
What do you do with denials and disappointments?
For the last several months, myself and hundreds of others have been training zealously for The North Face 50 mile race in Great Falls, VA. This race was to be held on Sat. Sept. 6th 2008 when a tropical storm came through and North Face cancelled the race. So many came from far and wide to test their endurance and challenge themselves like never before only to be denied 24hrs before the race was to begin.
The normal reaction to the bad news was disbelief then anger to disappointment then sometimes back to anger then frustration at having sacrificed so much only to have the opportunity to be rewarded taken away.
How the runners dealt with it however was different for each one. Many just accepted it, others blogged about it, still others complained about it, and a few did something about it.
My reaction at first followed the common line of thought that was just described. I know I should say that my thoughts were more spiritual but I’m just being honest. Somehow I just could not sit back and take this one on the chin. I thought to myself, I was going anyway and I will run the course by myself! Our Running with Purpose team felt the same way. “Great we will just run it by ourselves, and have a great time!” I said to myself.
In the mist to all reaction to the race being canceled, a small group of strangers was formed. They were united by a common passion and with one purpose were able to accomplish something that was thought impossible. In just 18 hours, we were able to organize, map out, and plan our own adventure.
On Saturday morning at 7am the rain started come down and people started to show up. About 40 or more people, from all over the country, who have never met, started driving in and getting ready to run.
Their unstoppable spirit and sense of adventure was inspiring. The rain never stopped and the trails were flooded and some of the stream crossings looked liked swimming events but after 10 hours we were victorious. Each having won in their own way, left satisfied and some ways happier that it turned out the way it did.
Lessons Learned from this Experience.
#1 It’s ok to be disappointed when denials and disappointments come.
Some try not to get there hopes up so they are never disappointed. This might be safer but God called us to a purpose for life and a passion for living not just surviving.
#2 Be honest with yourself and the Lord during these times disappointments.
The Lord knows your heart be honest with Him and bring your hurts and cares to Him. This doesn’t mean that God will explain it all to you but this does help you prepare your heart for a possible opportunity that might come as a result of the denial. (many times this is the case but we are too busy complaining to see the door that God is opening after one last one has been shut in our face.) A look at the life of David one can see that his life before the Lord was open and honest even when he was discouraged.
#3 Look through the Denial and ask yourself…”Is this a obstacle or a opportunity?”
Sometimes denials can lead to better things. Cast your care on the Lord and trust Him to lead you. He most likely not answer the “whys” but He will give you the “what’s” on where to go from here.
#4 Don’t be afraid to do something crazy.
Allow the Lord to lead you on amazing adventures… most of the time they will not make any sense at the time but understanding will come later in the journey.
Until next time Run with Purpose!
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