Mlungisi Dube / Eswatini
One day, I watched elementary students compete in a running race.
"On your mark, ready, set, go!"
The little runners took one small step after another, while the crowd of parents cheered enthusiastically. Among them, one mother cheered the loudest, clapping and running alongside the track, calling out her son's name. There was a reason for her passionate cheering—her son’s legs weren’t perfectly straight, and he fell behind the other runners. Undeterred, the boy ran with determination, eyes fixed ahead. His mother ran alongside him every step of the way, encouraging him until he crossed the finish line.
I wondered how the little boy was able to keep going, even as he saw the other runners far ahead of him. The answer was his mother's voice. Hearing her cheer, clap and call his name likely gave him the motivation to reach the finish line.
I then asked myself, "Am I running the race of faith like that little boy? Am I motivated by the call of Heavenly Mother, or am I running aimlessly, without purpose?”
Heavenly Mother supports me on the path of the gospel, fully aware of my slow understanding of God’s mysteries. Like a mother cheering her child by name, She calls my name in prayer, giving me the courage and strength to keep running the race of faith.
I, too, will focus on Heavenly Mother's words and run the race of faith to the very end, trusting in the promise that the crown of righteousness awaits me when the race is finished (2 Tim 4:7—8).