In 2020, The New York Times published a story by dogsledder Blair Braverman, entitled, “What My Sled Dogs Taught Me About Planning for the Unknown.” Braverman explains that sled dogs have strong instincts about terrain and natural surroundings, but they can’t understand how far they’re going to run. Whether they’re running five miles or 1,000 miles, a dog who loves running will hit the trail hard and fast.
The strategy in a long-distance race is to stop early and often, to “front load rest” in spite of the dogs’ enthusiasm and momentum. This way, they build muscle, their metabolism adjusts, and the team has the perseverance to finish the race.
Let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NRSV)
Braverman writes, “It’s far easier to prevent fatigue than to recover from it.”
Could this strategy be helpful for us, dear siblings, during this pivotal season of the fight for justice in our nation? National policy is impacting us, our neighbors, and the people we love in very personal and life-altering ways. Many of us are desperate for a call to action, to run the race of love, to follow the example of Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
But we don’t know how far we’re running. If we go full speed and refuse to rest, we may be weak and stumbling before long. It’s easier to prevent fatigue than to recover from it. So we must pace ourselves, care for our bodies and our spirits, and focus on perseverance.
Prayer ~ Holy One, guide us to race with perseverance and with rest, one mile at a time, in pursuit of your vision for this world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joanna D’Agostino is the Senior Pastor at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, Ohio.