Using What You Have

On Thanksgiving morning I participated in a 5K Turkey Trot. The start of the race was delayed because of the incredible turn out of runners on that very cold (20 degrees) morning. As I waited I found out a little more about the young man who organized the event.

The run was his senior project and the proceeds from the event would go to families who have kids at Primary Children’s hospital. That is what first caught my attention when I saw the post on Facebook advertising the event. While talking to a friend at the race I found out that the young man was well acquainted with the financial stress of having a family member in a hospital. His younger brother had a heart attack at the age of 16 and spent a substantial amount of time at Primary Children’s hospital. I also discovered that he was the state cross country running champion.

The event also had a 1 mile challenge for young kids. It was so fun watching the young man lead the kids as they ran and tried to keep up with him. He was gracious and slowed his pace to run along side of them and I will never forget the look of joy on his face or on the faces of the kids who he made feel like champions that day.

This young man was using the gifts and talents that he has to lovingly serve others. It took time, organization and a lot of effort to make it all happen, but he did it with a smile and was at the finish line to welcome and encourage every participant.

It was a beautiful reminder that everything we have, everything we enjoy and everything we are can be used for God.