Marathon of Love Part II

Published by Paul on

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

Categories: FaithLife

Paul

Paul founded his consulting practice, Career Life Institute, in 1992, and the Living Perspectives ministry in 1982. He has mentored hundreds of life coaching clients and assisted numerous organizations with strategic planning. Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and has written a book, How a Man Handles Conflict at Work. Paul has ministered in E. Europe, and in Ethiopia since 2004 (microfinance, education, and prisons). Currently his active mentoring ministry is in Seattle to individuals and Christian non-profit organizations. He spent 16 years as a leader/volunteer with Congregations for the Homeless in Bellevue and is currently involved in working with those praying for revival in the Greater Seattle area and bringing opportunity to different populations in S. Seattle.

1 Comment

Colin · December 4, 2012 at 9:20 pm

Paul,
I was touched and blessed to read about Peter’s adventure for the Lord. I think it is the sort of thing our Lord would have done, but as He couldn’t He asked Peter to do it for Him. I’m sure that was a day that Taylor will never forget.
Colin

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