Marathon of Love Part II

Here is a follow up to Peter Kline’s Las Vegas Marathon Run & Push.  James in the Bible writes be “doers of the Word” not just readers.  What we do sometimes is so loud people can’t hear what we say.   Peter chose to reach out to make a memorable experience for one person, at one  time, in one city.  He pushed Taylor for 26.2 miles over 5 hours in strong winds.  Peter did not want publicity, just make Taylor’s life special for a day.  Well, Peter heard from runners as they passed, “Nice job!” “You are an inspiration to me!”

As believers in a mighty God, we are to be thermostats, not thermometers: warm and set the temperature around us, not just reflect what is there like a thermometer.  Sunday, Peter was a thermostat.  Here is Peter’s modest account of the day.

Hi Paul,

The young lady I ended up running with by pushing in a jogger/stroller was Taylor Small. Taylor is a beautiful young lady, 19 years old with, cerebral palsy.  Taylor was excited to run the marathon with me and sang songs to me while we ran. She was a motivation to me as she was to the rest of the running crowd, the families and friends of other runners along the course and the support personnel. We had so many people giving us encouragement and us them in return. Many participants on the course literally told me that Taylor was enough motivation for them that they would finish the race. We had people all along the course cheering us on and at one point a law enforcement officer in uniform actually left his post and his fellow officers to run with us.

I will send pictures as soon as I have them.

Running a marathon is difficult. Running a marathon pushing a stroller is incredibly challenging. Add to it the winds of 25 miles per hour and gust up to 45 miles per hour and it was a testament to the incredible support and encouragement we received during the race and, of course my training going into the race. It was an unbelievable blessing to meet Taylor, her family and to have shared the experience with her.

Peter

 Pictures to come.  Blessings to follow.  What does it take for you to change one person’s life, for one day in one place…..Ask God to give you an opportunity.  Ephesians 3:20-21