Counselor’s Corner - November 28 2022 Issue

Dear Teacher,

Having run a full marathon once in my lifetime (never again), I find it to be an emotional experience. Surprisingly, it's not the accomplishment and achievement of myself running, but rather that of the other runners that gets me teary-eyed. Its the 90-year old runner on his 15th marathon, or the veteran with a prosthetic leg that gets my tear ducts flowing.

You'll understand, then, that I found the story of Sean, runner number 276, to be very touching. After having run nearly the entirety of the 26.3 mile race, Sean just wanted to give up. With aching feet and body, Sean had hit what runners know to be "the wall." Grimacing and trudging with his face in his hands, Sean was ready to quit...until a marathon volunteer appeared by his side, clapping and cheering on Sean. "Come on, big steps," he shouted. "You have just a few more meters until the finish line! You've got this," he coached. Jogging alongside Sean, the volunteer matched his steps, encouraging "I know it's hard, come on!" And Sean, now in so much agony that he couldn't respond, kept pushing, kept going. The volunteer had giving him renewed strength so that, with tears in his eyes, he was able to make it the rest of the way with the volunteer by his side.

With Christmas season in full swing, it may feel as though you want to give up. Maybe you're battling illness and wondering if it's your last holiday. Perhaps you're grieving the loss of a loved one that makes you not want to celebrate at all. You may be the teacher who has given all you have and don't have anything left to gear up for December. Whatever it is, you've got the Ultimate Cheerleader by your side. "Come on, Teach. I know it's hard," He shouts. "You've got this and I'm right her with you!" The Lord promises to match your steps and stride and "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us [Hebrews 12:1]."

Cheering for you, too,
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor