The Finish Line

In the recent 2026 Boston marathon, a young first time runner collapsed near the finish line with severe leg cramps and dehydration. Another runner helped him to his feet and was soon joined by yet another runner and the three crossed the finish line together. The two experienced runners supported the young participant, helping him to finish the race and earn the chance to compete again next year. These two runners sacrificed their times for the sake of the third. 

For parents, the end of the month of May feels like the end of a marathon. You made it to the end of another year but maybe you feel like you limped over the finish line. This feeling is very common and very understandable! The beauty of community is that we can help one another cross that finish line. What is notable about the story above is not just the wonderful sportsmanship, but the reality that only another runner could have helped out in that way. Help from a bystander would have resulted in a DNF (did not finish) for that runner. 

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:10

Galatians 6:10 highlights our call to look for opportunities to help one another. Your Relay Exchange group is your family of fellow believers. Moms, you can help another mom in a way no one else can. You understand her race. You understand her fatigue. You understand her commitment. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to look out for one another and to help one another, to reach out for help and to be open to receive help. In this way, we persevere together and when we make it across a finish line, we celebrate together.