The Sprinter vs the Long-Distance Man
A blast from the past...a story from the 1985's Seneca Journal. As many of you know, Anne Rackley, our co-founder, wrote a weekly article for 18 years called Life at the Collins Children's Home.
We wanted to republish one of the many stories. We hope you enjoy it
Everyone enjoys bragging now and then. It’s a healthy reaction. Competition is good, too.
As I explained last week, my 13-year-old nephew has been visiting for a week. It seems he is becoming an accomplished runner in his age category in Albany, Georgia. As boys will do, he bragged a little about his ability to run fast.
We all have the potential to win, but first we have to accept the challenge. Then we must be willing to run the race.
I decided we’d have a little fun. I challenged Trey to race Kathy, age fourteen. Just to add a little bit of excitement to the challenge, I explained to Trey that Kathy liked to race boys and that she usually won.
The Race is On...
Then I told Kathy Trey was good! How did I know? Why he told me so! Anyway, it was obvious because of those long, skinny legs looked like grease lightning.
The race took place at the Seneca High school track late in the evening. Night was approaching fast which was all the more reason to run fast.
We had a small problem in deciding how the competition should be handled. Kathy is a sprint runner and Trey is a long-distance man. In complete fairness to both runners, we held the 220 run first.
The race was on. Kathy nearly “burnt” up the track with her swift start. She took Trey on with an easy style. About the time he was just getting up to speed Kathy crossed the finished line.
Next came the 440, Kathy is fast, but she knew the 440 was not her favorite event. Trey was ready. The start was good for both runners. Trey maintained a good lead most of the way. As they turned the last bend, Kathy gained on Trey. The finish was beautiful…and close. Trey won only by a kneecap. Maybe that’s a new description for you sports fans, but all I could see past Kathy was Trey’s kneecaps.
God Gives Each of Us Different Abilities
So, after bragging is over the races were won – who won? The answer is easy as far as I’m concerned. Kathy is a good sprinter and Trey is equally as good as a long-distance runner, so they both won. All of this proves one point – God gives each of us different abilities. We all have the potential to win, but first, we have to accept the challenge. Then we must be willing to run the race.
Some Children Never Gain Enough Confidence...
Life is also a race of sorts. The world is full of challenges. Unfortunately, some children never gain enough confidence to compete because no one is in the cheering section. If you think the cheering section is not important, imagine how uneventful a Clemson – Georgia football game would be without the encouragement of their beloved fans. Without the cheering section, there would be little reason to compete.
That’s the way it is with children. They each have the potential and the ability to achieve great things in life. The difference between win or lose maybe in the hands of the adults that encourage, or cheer, them on to victory.
Our Game Plan Would be Worthless Without You...
Every person who provides food, clothing, financial support, or volunteers their time to help the children at the Collins Children’s Home is part of the cheering section. Our game plan would be worthless without their efforts.
I am reminded of the success of your efforts when I see young people like Kathy compete and win because someone encouraged her to try. There was a time in her life when she saw no hope for her future. She felt defeated before the race even started.
Your continued support made the difference. Thank you for caring enough to help our children run a good race.
If you are interested in Getting Involved, learn more here.