TEMPTATION
(Originally written October 1st, 2000)
"...Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness."
Hebrews 3:8
It was one of the few perfect days for a trail race this season. The air was dry, cool and bright. A recurring light breeze tickled my face whenever it was needed most. Everyone out on the Breakneck course appeared glad to be there.
It made my decision at mile ten or so a simple one. I had recently been passed easily by a team of two running in unison fast and steady.
"Wasn't there a third?" I asked, as I had thought I noticed another member with them originally.
"There was… ", came the reply, along with some laughter.
The cockiness in the answer bothered me.
Minutes later, I knew the difficult right turn off a wide logging road was approaching. I could sense these two were about to jog past this single-track trail without notice. The temptation was strong to let them go, allowing them to end up in never never land. I watched them climbing beyond the turn as I approached it myself, still feeling tempted to let them go…
When I was finally at the turn, I gave a simple shout to the wanderers. They came back and preceded to pass me again. I was thanked, and it made me happy that I called back the two faster fellows.
Fighting the lure of allowing the speedsters to go off course was tougher than running the entire race. I feel fortunate that I was able to avoid this temptation. Allowing fellow racers to go off course within my sight would have failed me. I certainly can see the parallels between making a simple decision in a trail race, and everyday life decisions. I was taught once that if you can get in a habit of doing all the little things, then the big things aren't as much a chore.
Calling the men back was one of those little things. Applying this lesson to the rest of my life is the important piece to the puzzle. I believe that I did the right thing; and I aspire and strive to get to a point someday where no decision is needed. I need to progress to a level where the right decision is done without thought, automated. Until then, I imagine I will continue to feel little tricks of temptation occasionally, and hopefully I will be able to continue to choose the correct path.
As for the outcome of Breakneck 2000, I may have finished behind the two hurried runners in the standings; but in my personal race the outcome had me ending a winner on this day.
{October 1, 2000}