Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while. Mark 6:31
I played a new role last weekend – Ironman support crew. Not only did I get to see some amazing endurance athletes, I got to support two of them. It was exciting to see them come out of the water after a 2.5 mile swim (all smiles) ready for the next leg of their journey. I got to see them transition to a 112 mile bike ride through winding back roads and up steep hills (still smiling) and encourage them as they finished their long marathon run. There were lots of smiles and tears along the journey and it made me see my life with a different perspective. This year, I feel I have transitioned to a new stage of life. Now instead of being only a support crew for my family, I am a support crew for others as a life coach.
In an Ironman race there are two transition points, after the swim to the bike and after the bike to the run. These transition points give the athlete time to unload and refuel, physically and mentally. In life, there are transition points too, some anticipated and some unanticipated. College, singleness, marriage, new jobs, new careers, parenting, and empty nesting are just a few of the many anticipated transitions. There are also unanticipated ones – divorce, loosing a job, illnesses and a pandemic just to name a few. Transitions periods give us an opportunity to unload and refuel. They help us gain perspective and support – physically, mentally and spiritually. Transitions keep us in the race!
Jesus had transition points in his ministry on earth. He traveled to many new cities and worked with thousands of people, yet took time to get away with God to refuel. He prayed. He fasted. He contemplated with God about His next steps. He took a team of disciples (His support crew) with Him, encouraging them to rest and eat too.
I get my refueling from prayer, reading my bible, good devotionals and my community. I need these contact points to help me reflect and not just respond to life. I am excited to press on in the road ahead, and I am so thankful for my support crew – my family, friends and church who are supporting and cheering me on.
In the Race
Support. Refuel. Press on.
Who’s in my support crew? How do I choose to refuel? What is my next step?
If you are needing a life coach to support you in your next transition, please feel free to contact me for a free discovery session.