Sometimes I wonder: will all of this be noticed?  Will all my time spent pouring over my message to teach on Wednesday night matter?  Will this blog make a difference?  Will all the effort I put into mentoring and loving those around me mean anything?

I think all of us have these moments.  Will anyone care?  Does anyone notice?  It is completely normal to wonder.  There is one thing that I hold on to in those times.  Colossians 3:23 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”.   God sees it all, and He is proud.

I remember one time along time ago, I was talking with my dad and telling him how much I wanted to be perfect (I know that sounds so conceited haha), but my reason was so I would never make a mistake and let down the people that I am trying to help.  Then my dad told me a story:

There was once a marathon that all kinds of runners entered in to participate.  That day there was two specific participants that he took note of.  The first was obviously a runner from birth.  He had the right shoes, the right look.  He was the picture of physical fitness (don’t lust ladies, not a real story).  Then there was the other guy.  He was there for his family.  He was not used to running, but the race was something he was participating in to honor those he loved.  They were all at the line and the gun went off.  The experienced runner powered through the race in record time wowing all who were present.  The other struggled, crawled, tried, persevered.  The end was in sight and he had to drag himself across the line.  The crowd bursted into applause.  This man had fought with all that he was to finish the race for love.

So let me ask you this: you try your best to do what God wants, you work hard, do your best, times get hard and mistakes are made, the struggle is hard, so which runner are you?  We are the fatigued and exhausted runner, but we run for love.  Which do you think God is more proud of?  The one that had it easy, or the one that finished even when it seemed impossible?  God sees you.  He sees your effort, and He couldn’t be more proud.