My dad died 20 years ago this month. I've been thinking a lot about him today. I've been wondering what he would say to me if we could talk. What would he tell me about what he's experienced in the past 20 years?

There's a verse I read in Hebrews 12:1, and I see Dad in it every time:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"

I've run several 10K races in my life. On the grueling last leg of each race, people stood on the sidelines cheering the runners on. It was the tone of their voices, the encouragement in their words, and the mention of my name that gave me the energy to kick in and do my best for the last part of the race.

At this time of remembering my dad, I picture me running a race and when I feel discouraged or exhausted or ready to quit, I glance on the sidelines and see Dad and others cheering me on. They're surrounding me, fellow witnesses of the faith, yelling out reminders of what to hold onto and what things to let go. They're pointing out those things that look so important now but soon won't matter at all when the race is over. They're helping me look down at those things hanging onto me that are holding me back, keeping me from running my best race in my best time.

I knew a competitive swimmer once. She told me that she waited until hours before her meet to shave her legs. Even the hairs on her legs could keep her from achieving her best time!

Today, it's not the hairs on your legs that are keeping you from running your best race for God, but something is. What's the weight that ensnares you today? Fear? Bitterness? Unforgiveness? Anger? What sin have you allowed to remain between you and everything God has for you? What unnecessary baggage do you need to throw off?

Picture several believers you know who have already gone to be with Jesus. Now picture them on the sidelines of your life's race. What wisdom are they calling out to you? What lessons have they learned that they are trying to teach you? What can you learn from them to help you keep going and win your race?

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"

Look around. See them standing. Hear what they're saying. Take it to heart. Then keep running. The finish line is closer than you think.