Conference Meet Reflections — Faith in the Race

Another big cross country meet happened last week, the conference meet, and what a day it was! 💛 My daughters team swept the conference and everyone did so well!

Not gonna lie, my mama heart has felt a mix of emotions lately. Between my husband’s surgery, my own healing journey, and the extra weight it’s placed on our family, I’ve wondered how it’s affected my daughter. Yet, through it all, she’s continued to lace up her shoes, put one foot in front of the other, and run with such strength and perseverance.

She took 13th place individually, and her team won 1st overall! I couldn’t be more proud. There’s something sacred about watching your child do what they love, pushing through exhaustion, and finding joy in the journey.

Still, as proud as I was, I could see the frustration in her eyes at the finish line. She wanted to do just a little better. She’s poured four years of heart, sweat, and countless early mornings into this sport — so those emotions make sense. I gently reminded her that she’s put in the work, she’s trained with excellence, and that God honors every ounce of faithfulness even when the results don’t match our expectations.

Her dad met her at the finish line — still healing from his own surgery, yet full of strength for her. He wrapped his arm around her, reminding her to celebrate how far she’s come instead of dwelling on the what ifs. That moment between them spoke volumes a picture of love, leadership, and grace.

I’ll admit a part of me longed to run from spot to spot on the course like the other parents cheering from every turn. But instead, I found gratitude in the wheelchair that carried me and the family that pushed me so I could still be right there watching, clapping, and praying from the sidelines. We had some laughs since that course had so many mole holes so we may or may not have almost tipped the wheelchair a couple times.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

These verses mean even more now because I see them lived out in both my daughter’s stride and in my own steps of recovery. Healing and running are both acts of perseverance. You may not move fast, but you keep moving forward.

So here’s my prayer today:
Lord, thank You for giving my daughter the strength to run her race — not just on the cross country course, but in life. Grant her favor as she runs at state qualifier and at state. Let her confidence rest not in her speed but in Your strength. Give her peace in every step and joy in every mile. And Father, as I heal, help me not to see my limitations, but Your presence in every moment. May my kids see that faith is what carries us through the struggle, always.

Whether we’re running or rolling, limping or leaping, we’re still moving forward in faith — and that’s something worth celebrating. 🧡

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