I've had this metaphor running through my mind (excuse the pun) since this school year started. Let me test it out here.
Life, at least our life in education, is a little bit like a 400m race track.
The first length represents the acceleration phase. As K-6 students, we learn the basics, things are coming fast and furious, and there is a jockeying for position.
As we approach the first turn, we start to find our pace. With this said, there is a curve in the road. Junior High and High School represent many changes and challenges. Whether they are physiological, socially or emotionally, we are no longer on a straight path.
The second turn comes up quicker than we may expect. Before we know it, we are needing to make decisions about our post-secondary learning experiences. Some will choose to draft behind others and observe while others will endeavour to trailblaze.
In all likelihood, on the backstretch, we will again find our pace. Sometimes we will move forward in the pack and other times we will rest and let the pack lead the way. Depending on our family, our circumstance and a multitude of other factors, our positions will invariably change during this stretch.
As we make the 3rd and 4th turn towards home, we will have figured out our retirement situation and will invariably consider legacy. We will want to have finished with our head held high and proud of our accomplishment. In the end, we want our fans to be cheering us all the way across the finish.
I suppose the reason this race metaphor has been stuck in my head is due to some observations I have had several times in the opening weeks of school.
1) Many of us choose to sprint when maybe we should look to find the pace.
2) When faced with adversity, and the curve seems like it is too long or too arduous, we are opting to cut corners and find an easier path. This can come with consequences as we hit the backstretch (not having the true preparation for what lies ahead) or at the finish line (when we look back and wonder if we gave it our best).
3) We often look at the first or second turn and forget that there are two more to come, life is truly a marathon, not a sprint.
My hope is that we take on this race and enjoy the journey... find a love of running and the race.
No doubt, more to come on this topic in future posts.
As a side note, if you care to read a great book on running - have a look at 'Born to Run' - you won't be disappointed!
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