Iron Sharpens Iron

Happy Tuesday,

Next month marks the five-year anniversary of an Ironman competition that Jorge and I attended in Houston, TX.  It was the thrill of a lifetime for Jorge and me as we went there to support my cousin, Maggie, and her husband, Ironman Ernie. 

Ernie finished the 140.6 miles of swimming, cycling, and running in 12 hours 47 minutes.  Out of 3000 participants, he came in 797th.  THIS IS REMARKABLE!

It was beyond exciting to be there at the start, see him during the transitions, cheer for him and blow our elk horns when he made appearances at each eight-mile bend, and then finally and gloriously stand in awe as he crossed  the finish line. 

But allow me to elaborate in increments.  The Thursday night before the competition we all had dinner, and an amazing Bible verse just sort of popped into the conversation.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. 

  

At the heart of this verse is that we cannot do life alone.  We need friends and family to encourage us, train with us, love us, keep us sharp and alert, point out dangers ahead...

Ask Ernie and he will tell you that even though he was willing to do the work, he had a whole team of support with him before, during, and after to make the Ironman a reality. 

Let us learn a lesson from Ernie today: Allow others to help you, and you will succeed. 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank you for family, friendships, unwavering support, love, and encouragement.  Thank You for reminding us today that Proverbs 27:17 is all about bringing out the best in each other even in grueling competitions.   Fill us today with Your love and inspire us to get out there and make a difference in someone's life.  In Jesus' name, Amen!