I encourage you to read about Dick and Rick Hoyt.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
As we approach Father's Day in a couple weeks, read about how this dedicated father has driven himself beyond his comfort zone for the love of his son.
Dick exemplifies the potential for extreme love within all of us. We each have our battles to fight, and there is no doubt that life is tough. Some of us face some pretty strong obstacles and painful circumstances. But we always have a choice.
- Will we stand up and rise to our occasions, or will we numb out in any number of distractions our culture provides us?
- Will we "lean in" to the challenges we face (as one lean's into the wind) and courageously be lifted off the ground to soar, or will we hide from the challenges and stay on the cold and painful security of the ground?
- Will we wallow in our pity party and live ineffective lives with wasted potential, or will we claim the life of a conqueror we were designed for?
Dick Hoyt was not a runner. In fact, he admits that he was a bit pudgy and out of shape. But for the love of his son, he "leaned into the wind" of his circumstances and started running. See, Rick sustained a birth injury and was left unable to walk or talk. When Rick wanted to run in a benefit race, Dick determined that his son would be included! He pushed Rick the entire 5 miles in his wheelchair. Dick did not know that his choice to engage in this first challenge would change the course of life for him, for Rick and for his family. This one choice set him on a path to influence millions of people.
Dick faced numerous challenges, but his perserverance has produced more numerous glories! Now, Dick and Rick have competed in many marathons and triathalons--Dick pushing Rick in a wheelchair, pulling Rick in a boat, and riding with Rick on a specially designed bike.
Rick Hoyt knows his Dad's extreme love for him. Rick had confidence in his potential to live an extraordinary life because his Dad believed in him and fought for him. Dick, one out of shape Dad, chose to engage in the life he was given and is now a hero to his family and to millions of people worldwide. However, Dick suggests that his life has been "saved" by Rick.
One final thought, don't we all want someone to go the distance for us? Wouldn't each of us love to have our worth confirmed by another person sacrificially giving beyond their comfort zone for our benefit? When I think about Dick Hoyt, I also think about the sacrifice Christ made for each of us. Each of us is disabled by our own human condition. With Christ to push, pull and lift us, we are able to soar beyond the confines of our own metaphorical disabilities, and enjoy a more fulfilling life. . . .with the confidence of knowing that we're extremely loved!
