Paraclete

 

Anna ran 7 miles today, so I helped her map out her run and planned to be at the finish at a waterfall with a water bottle and a granola bar. At about the half way mark, I dropped off Tracey (Anna's aunt/ my sister-in-law) to run alongside her, and I was so grateful that she could be there with Anna since I am not allowed to run yet.  The word that came to mind as I was thinking about her was the word "paraclete."  That word is derived from "para" and "kletos" and is defined by Webster as “an advisor or intercessor; in a Christian context the Holy Spirit.” A paraclete is one who encourages the athlete in the race, who sticks up for him, who provides water and nourishment during the race, and who runs alongside him.  

May you have people who run alongside you to encourage you, stick up for you, and provide you support each step of the way, and may these people point to the gift of God's spirit with us doing these things for us each and every day. 

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