"The Race Is Not Given To The Swift"

Here and there, I'd run across a few glossy pictures of Esther lying in the photo album, always yet with admiration and grace. Definition of Age, for her, calls to remember what it was like when she was young.

Most days, Esther would sit in her recliner, watch for the noon hour and her television programs. Maybe the phone will ring, and a friendly voice will be on the other end. Often, I thought, "what can I do in order to bring a little excitement into her life?"

How fitting, a celebration for the lady of grace.

I've not spoken to Blonca in maybe three or four months. Hello, "how are you doing?"
I've not heard from you in a little while."
Blonca is this sensuous female who lives a very private life. At times, " I wonder if she's actually my sibling or a distant cousin."

Oh, "how are you doing Eve?" "What's up?" Been busy here at work, these folks just double the load for us clerks."

It's about time to gather the family. I thought we'd have a party for our mother. Oh sure, she replied. I could sense the lowly tone of her voice. Blonca will not be out done, "what do you want me to contribute to mother's celebration?

Esther is a strong-willed eighty years old, with a love for soap operas, chocolate ice cream, antique odd effects, the word of God, and all of her nine children. Her difficulties might include some leg pains, coughing, but yet a strong desire to live. The appearance of gray hair covers her head and her eye brows.

Has any of your children called you lately? Esther answers me slowly, "when my children are doing well, I don't hear from them." Definitely, what the old feeble woman is saying, "I have not heard from any of my children lately."

She often feels as though life is passing her by and the family is spreading apart. Don't speak that way, "all families go through relating less," does not mean that there isn't any love left there.

Indeed, it's a blessing. Esther does not have to live alone. Isaiah, her very judge-mental son, resides in a bedroom next to hers.

Mother, "how are you today." "I'll be on the lake fishing." After all, he does not like people much, and people don't like him much.

Blonca and I are preparing a birthday celebration for mother. After all, it would be good to get the family together. A celebration is a great way to keep Esther well functioning.

Isaiah fights back, "there's nothing wrong with Esther, she's as stubborn as a chariot of horses."

Can I count on your support financially for a perfect celebration for mother?

"Sure, let me know what you need, the old girl could stand some excitement."

It would seem that the oldest sibling would at all times receive the up most respect from the rest of the siblings. "Wisdom from on high constantly embrace me with an enduring grace," keeping all things in respective when it comes to a responsibility toward Esther, my aging mother. It's almost like torture at times, pulling each one together for such an important cause.

At times, Esther pushes out with an authority spirit of unnecessary rebellion. "Dear God, should I pack up and call it a day?" Then I'm reminded of the savior's grace, it is he who gives me the strength to press forward.

Everything is just perfect. With all due compliments to Blonca, the building is beautifully decorated. How proud Esther must be to see how thoughtful her children must be.

Family relations have entered the party, "Esther, so good to see you, How have you been?"

"My children have gone with their own lives, but I'm making it by the grace of God."

I'm careful to help see this evening to be the most best for mother. Family is the best, but they can also feel like the worst at times for the oldest sibling.

Putting on the grace appears to be no strand for Blonca, her big smile, following and undying love for the family can cause me to come unglued at times. Not to mention, Esther with her everything has been great attitude.

Its now time for recognition, Isaiah takes the microphone, "I'm so happy and blessed to have mother with us, she is the best.."

There is an uneasiness of most of the younger family relations that can be seen in their eyes and in their conversation. They are very careful to keep Isaiah as the head of the family and the party. After all, who wants to be judged on how they live their lives.

I've pulled it off, my self-esteem is yet in tact. "Cousin, everything was so nice, we must do this again.."

The elder family members appear to be happy to gather once again.

"It is God who ordained family." He sure has a sense of humor, because by the time family gets through with me, I surely know how to call on the lord.

The older I get, I tend to despise family gatherings. It is like, "what's the use in coming together." The joy and the satisfaction come when I can see that Esther can continue to run the race of life.

"The race is not given to the swift, but to the one who endures to the end."

Esther and I are in a race. We will continue to fight the good fight of faith. At the end of this life, I want to hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Go figure, this is a race that we all can afford to stay in. Would you agree?

Swift, Esther may not run swift, but she continues to endure to the end.

I forget the days of rebellion with her," and I too run the race with the endurance."

"Again, the race is not given to the swift, but to the one who endures to the end."