Compassion Changes Everything

This is a repost from my other site DoxA after Ironman St. George in 2011.

It’s been nearly two weeks since I found myself having a brutal conversation with myself. It was one of those rambling, self-loathing, silent types you can have while smiling at others as they walk by. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon, it was 95 degrees and I had already swam 2.4 miles, ridden my bike 112 miles and ran 18 miles with another 8.2 to go.

On May 7^th I was competing in Ironman St. George, arguably the most difficult Ironman course in the world. I’ve been a competitive Ironman triathlete for years and I was having one of the worst races of my career. At mile 18 of the marathon my legs began to have some very severe pain that I’ve not experienced before. Unable to continue my run I started to walk knowing this was going to destroy my chances for a top finish in my age group… it was then, when I began to tell myself stuff like, “How could you let this happen?” and “This is what losers do.”

For ten years I’ve been competing in Ironman competitions and for nearly all of the races I’ve done I’d been given the privilege to speak at local events called “IronPrayer.” The purpose of these gatherings is to pray together, give encouragement to other athletes and help them understand the ironic metaphor the race plays in life, which the Bible describes as a “life of faith” (Hebrews 12:1,2).  As a pastor, experienced in both racing and living by faith; the message I had given just days prior was nearly lost on me. It was a message about looking at others, seeing their struggles and meeting their needs. It was the mission of God through Jesus, which was given to us when our Lord said, “You will do greater things…” (John 14:12).

Along the course there are “Aid Stations.” These oasis along the way are fully stocked with water, sports drinks, food, even medical supplies and can provide shelter if necessary. These “Aid Stations” are there to keep the racers moving forward, forward toward the finish! And it was here I realized that Compassion changes everything!

As I walked toward the first aid station, at the front was a small child, perhaps five or six years old. He was holding two sponges, one each in his tiny hands. These sponges are soaked in cold water and given to the athletes to squeeze on their heads to cool off the body… his voice was tiny. “Sponges?” As I grabbed both, looking up there was another little girl holding a cup of water. I grabbed it too and suddenly realized my race had already been won! But were it not for these children I might not have realized it.

Several months prior to the race I joined Team Compassion to use the platform of my Ironman race to raise support and awareness among my friends and family for the Medical Assistance Fund for Compassion International. The Medical Assistance Fund helps provide medical care for children with extraordinary needs who cannot otherwise get such care and I had raised a good amount of money. So, when I realized these children were taking care of my needs, I was humbled and reminded why I was out there in the first place! I stopped thinking about myself, my pain, my disappointment and started thinking about those who are really struggling. Those who, without the help of others handing them a little aid along the way, may never make it to the finish.

I learned an important lesson that day. One that I had been teaching but hadn’t fully understood; as my focus changed from myself to others I found my sorrow had turned to joy. As I stopped listening to the negative talk in my head, I began to hear the encouragement of those around me… From spectators, “Go Team Compassion!” From other racers, “You with Compassion?” I nodded yes, “That’s so cool!” and he gave me a thumbs up as he ran by. Yes, I learned an important lesson that day which I hope will never be lost on me again…

Compassion changes everything.

To sponsor a child and begin a life changing experience for you and a child, please click on the banner image above that says, “Sponsor a child today in Jesus’ name.”