Last year on this very day, my best friend turned 40. We celebrated big, praised the Creator for bringing him into the world, and asked for many more years of Michael Thomas.
Since I met him I have heard of a goal he had set for himself...to run a marathon. Michael spoke of if a lot and then life would get in the way. Medicine, fatherhood, work. On the night of his 40th birthday, he committed to running it during his milestone year.
Christmas rolled around and not a lot was going on in his training. So, Santa gave him a little boost with a special "marathon goodie box", complete with a running watch, Bluetooth earbuds, good socks, a running plan, and a gift card to Fleet Feet for some good shoes. And with that, off he went.
He ran through the neighborhood, then he headed out into Woodbury. He ran on weekend getaways in Pigeon Forge and Asheville. In February, he ran in Africa while on a medical mission trip. In March and July he ran on Saba. He started running on the four lane toward the Boro. Occasionally, he would run in the opposite way toward McMinnville. He ran through the campus at Clemson while Jackson was at football camp. He ran in the morning and at night and every hour in between.
When cross country sign ups started at Woodbury Grammar School, all three kids wanted to be like Dad, so they signed up with Coach Elrod.
Everyone started complimenting the fine running physique and determination of my husband. For those of you that don't know, Michael and I are very competitive, so this momma laced up her shoes and took off alongside him.
Michael's 40th year...the year the Thomas 5 started running.
His muscles hurt. His bones ached. He ended up "bonking" a time or two. But he kept at it.
He worked on an intensive bible study. He took a promotion at work, creating more responsibilities. The kids schedule got beyond hectic. He still ran.
He craved the junk food. He wanted to lay on the couch. He didn't want to run. He ran anyway.
It was fun and exciting to watch. But it started to become beautiful the more I watched him.
This husband of mine prayed for strength and praised God for each and every accomplishment. He asked others...the brothers that had helped him celebrate that 40th birthday...to pray for him. He asked for help and guidance of other Christian and believing men that had run the experience and course before him. He took advise and compliments with grace and thankfulness. He relied upon the four people in his house to give him encouragement and support. He didn't ever really run alone.
This past September, with tons of Gatorade and GU gels packed in our car, we headed to Tupelo, Mississippi. Michael was one of many that would run in the 2017 Labor Day weekend Tupelo Marathon where their slogan is "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead".
He didn't trample or hurdle anyone, but he finished all 26.2 miles in just seconds over 5 hours. He ran solid and he ran strong. And I was beyond proud and more than moved.
Michael has taught me during his 40th year that first and foremost, God gets the glory for everything. If you can move your legs, praise Him. If you wake up with the ability to breathe much less run, praise Him. If He provides you with friends and family that support you, praise Him. If you have the ability to reach a goal, praise Him.
He also has taught me that there is no shame in asking for help, accepting advice, and admitting you don't always have it figured out. We can talk a big game, but you have to really accept God's gift of community and live it both ways to understand God's plan and reason for creating us for each other. It is great to be the giver, but it is just as great to be the receiver.
Michael has taught me that it's going to hurt so bad at times, but you heal and recover and keep on going. It is so true that through the greatest weaknesses that us humans have, that is when God's greatest strengths show off. Never, ever throw in the towel. He makes all things new.
Lastly, Michael has taught me to go about things with patience and faith. He ran slow and steady and trained so patiently. He had faith in himself, in the running plan and process. But his greatest faith was in God.
Back in July of 2001, our dads used the following verse in our wedding ceremony...
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." II Timothy 4:7
This man has been my greatest joy at times. Every now and again he has been the source of much frustration. He has even created some hurt in my heart. But at the end of day, he is who I want to come home to. He is who I plan to grow old and wrinkly with. He has helped me realize that the hard stuff exists in every marriage and if both partners are willing to allow Him, the Father can make earthly marriage extraordinary, no matter what.
I am honored to fight the good fight alongside this fella. He is a pretty good battlefield partner to have at my side. His faith in the Father's forgiveness and providence keeps our family grounded. One day, I will be thankful to stand at the feet of our Savior at the end of the race knowing he encouraged me in many different ways all along the way. He will have helped me get there. I hope he can say the same about me.
Today, Michael turned 41. We celebrated as he crossed the finish line of a half marathon over in nearby Franklin. I love watching this guy run the race...physically and spiritually.
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