Cheering On The People Who Pass You

In so many ways my life feels like it has been at a halt for the past 5 years. Here we are, in year 6, and still no babies. Can I just tell you how many friends have gone on to have 3 or 4 kids? Or how many started trying after us and already have 2 or 3? Or what about the couple who recently got married and already has 1?

I know I have written many posts lately about loving others and being “for” those around you. Clearly it’s a message God has me sharing for a reason as I keep coming back to it. When I was thinking about what I wanted to share today, I couldn’t get this post out of my mind and so as repetitive as it might be, I am hoping that it encourages at least one person.

I have been realizing more and more lately there is a direct correlation between the races I compete in and my walk with Christ. When it comes to participating in a running race or a triathlon, something I have always enjoyed doing during a race is cheering the people on who are around me. Not just those that are around me, but the very people who are passing me, which means as someone goes past me on a bike, which trust me, is usually a ton of people, I cheer them on and tell them “good job.” When someone passes me on the run, you better believe I say “you are doing great.” There can be two types of running courses and one of the main reasons I prefer when the run course is an out and back, meaning 1.5 miles out and 1.5 miles in on the same trail, versus a loop, is because you come face to face with your competitors and I get to look at them when I encourage them with just a few words. Not only do I get to cheer those on that I pass, but I cheer those on who are passing me too.

Can I tell you how enjoyable the race is when I cheer others on? Why? Well for starters, it’s fun. But more importantly, it takes the focus off me. No longer do I think of my pain and frustration, but instead I focus on the success of others, even when that means they are beating me. Not only that, but if I were to guess, the person who receives the encouragement probably feels loved and supported too.

Am I making sense here? Do you realize when you cheer on those around you, whether it’s your bestest friend who just had her 4th baby even though you haven’t had your 1st or it’s a stranger who just won the lottery while you are in the middle of a financial crisis, life is much more enjoyable?

Just as when you praise God, it leaves you no room to complain or grumble, loving others, supporting others and cheering them on will remove the focus from your problems and what you don’t yet have and in turn focus on the blessings of what others do have. And you know what the best part of it all is? You know all those people who pass me during the race? Even though they get their medal before me, guess who also receives a medal at the end? Me! 

God hasn’t run out of “medals” or blessings to give you. Just because the person in front of you got her miracle first, doesn’t take away from the fact that you are going to get yours. In fact, he has enough blessings to give you both what you are waiting for. So while you wait, take the best approach and cheer those on around you, even when that means they pass you and receive their medal first.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

How do you handle the friend who gets pregnant who just started trying one month ago? What do you do when the friend next to you gets what you want?

PS. Are you looking for support on your fertility journey? Did you see the announcement I made?

PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

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