Together, In the Race

                                        The race was long and treacherous,

The blazing sun stood high,

The masses pressed along the bend

To view the runner nigh.

With every step, his pounding heart

Pulsed only for the goal,

No fellow caught his steadfast gaze—

He ran with strength and soul.

Amidst the crowded throng, a man

Regarded every move,

His eye filled with a father’s care,

His courage it behooved.

Then, suddenly, a gasp arose,

The mighty now was fallen!

The faces that were filled with joy

Now gazed on, grave and sullen.

Bursting from the stands, one dashed

To his beloved’s side,

Urging with a father’s love

He bade his son resign.

But, through the pain and agony,

The wounded son replied,

“I cannot quit! I will not quit!

I’ll cross the finish line.”

Then lifting up the fallen,

The father held his son—

And arm in arm, step by step,

The two continued on.

Together, to the finish line,

Together in the race,

Supported by his father’s hand,

The faithful set his face.

  Captured by the tender sight

The crowd watched breathlessly,

Then, broke forth wild in applause

As they crossed victoriously.

Not to the swift, nor yet the strong,

Is life’s compelling race,

But to the faithful, though cast down,

Who keep a steady pace.

Yet, e’re the runner meets the ground,

The Father comes along,

And, lifting up His fallen one,

Restores the triumph song.

Holding fast His weary one--

Supported by His grace--

Together, they press onward,

Together, win the race.

Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey 2016