Faith in Strides

The Puppy Love 5K in Palmetto Islands Park was a beautiful race with perfect weather. The sun was shining, and it was great to be running with my husband, Scott, and our daughter, Mae. But our dog, Charlie, was barking the entire time! His excitement was infectious, but it was also a huge distraction, making it difficult for me, Cynthia Cave, to find my rhythm.

As Charlie's barks echoed through the park, I felt my frustration rising. I wanted to focus on my race, to find that peaceful, meditative state that I've come to love. But the constant noise was a test of my patience. Then, I was reminded of the words in the Bible about perseverance: **"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."** (Hebrews 12:1). I realized that my race wasn't just about the physical distance; it was about running with endurance through distractions as well as through fatigue.

I shifted my focus from the noise to the joy of the moment. Running alongside my family, with the beautiful scenery around us, was a true blessing. Charlie's excited barks, my husband's encouragement, and my daughter's joyful presence became part of the soundtrack of my journey. The race became a powerful lesson in finding faith and peace in the midst of chaos.

This race was a beautiful reminder that life, like a race, is full of distractions. But with faith, you can persevere, find strength, and even find joy in the midst of the noise. I'm so glad I got to share this experience with my family, and I'm grateful for the lesson it taught me.