“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. It is easy to become focused on checking things off our to-do list. It is just as easy to get caught up in the busyness of each day, moving from one task or meeting to the next. When that happens, we can lose sight of what truly matters.
I often find myself frustrated when I encounter delays or interruptions. My instinct is to push forward, meet goals, and move on to the next item on the list. Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that success is measured by how much we accomplish. Accomplishments are not wrong or unimportant, but they are not the most important thing.
Relationships matter. Investing in the lives of people we care about matters. Sometimes that means slowing down when someone needs help or simply needs to be heard. It may look like grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend and taking time to truly connect. It could be sitting quietly and just being present. Other times, it might be helping a neighbor with a simple act of kindness, like pulling their trash cans back from the street or checking in when they seem overwhelmed. Those small moments often carry more lasting impact than any task we cross off a list.
Endurance requires perspective. A marathon is not won by sprinting every mile. It is run with patience, steady effort, and intentional pacing. The same is true in life. We grow not only through what we accomplish, but through how we love, serve, and show up for others along the way.
As Christians, it is also important to remember our ultimate destination. Our goal is not simply productivity, recognition, or earthly success. Our hope is heaven. Keeping that perspective helps reframe our priorities and reminds us to invest in what carries eternal value.
May we learn to slow our pace, run with endurance, and keep our eyes fixed on what truly matters.
The Dee Zone 