My Race. My Pace.

I made my way around the elevated track, circling above the exercise class in the gym below. Walkers in the right lane, runners in the left. We didn’t pay much attention to the blaring music and intensity beneath us. We each set our own comfortable speed. Lap after lap. Respectfully passing each other when needed and courteously letting others pass.

There wasn’t a trace of competition or comparison. Rather, the space echoed a quiet respect.

An athlete running with purpose. A woman with a leg brace walking cautiously. An elderly couple in street clothes. An adult with special needs strolling the path with his caregiver. Two women speed walking and chatting feverishly about life.

We all shared the path, focusing on our own unique needs and goals.

It was a beautiful rhythm that I wished would follow me off the track, out the door, and into the world. But it isn’t always that easy.

As a parent, and simply as a human, I often find myself feeling pulled away from my own lane. The classic compare and despair— that nagging urge to go faster, to do more, to be more.

We’re surrounded by messages and images of generalized success. We live in a culture of go, produce, hustle, climb. But we can miss the key point that those things look tremendously different for each of us.

When I give myself the space and time to seek out God’s direction, to be patient and still, I am able to joyfully accept His plan for my life—whatever that looks like and whether or not it measures up.

Trusting in our own path is a great big step toward peace.

I’ve heard runners use the words “My race. My pace.” A powerful reminder for all of us as we move toward our custom-made destination. Let’s quiet the noise of comparison, celebrate and encourage each other, and enjoy the heck out of the lane we’re in!

“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—don’t go off on your own; walk straight along the road he set.” Psalm 119: 1-3 (The Message)