Daniel, Robbie, Megan and I had signed up to run a 5K cross country race. Daniel runs all the time, Megan and I trained diligently and Robbie did absolutely nothing to prepare. Last October, after my surgery, I couldn't walk 2 minutes straight so I was just thrilled to be there! "On your marks...Go!" and instantly I was in last place. It didn't bother me a bit, my goal was to just finish. Well, sometime before lunch would be nice! ;-) That morning it was raining, which made for a treacherous path with all the grass and hills. My ankle twisted two times, but I could still run. My heart didn't like the ups and downs of the hills, but I pressed on. At the first mile marker the timers were already packed up and headed back. The second mile mark was a gentleman passing out water. I was ever so grateful that he patiently waited for me! I even held on to my cup because I didn't want him to have to pick up after me. Then the track coach came up behind me in a golf cart and shared some encouraging words. He kindly took my cup from me and said I didn't need to carry that while I was running. I assured him that it wouldn't effect my time at all! At the last check point I told him, "My book of "Most Embarrassing Moments" needs a few more pages!" And I finished! Last! Someone has to right?
We had the largest cheering section! Daniel finished first from our group, then Robbie, then Megan, and did I mention I was last?
So as we checked the board we discovered that I was the only person running in my age bracket, therefore I got first place! Megan got first in her age group as well! They even handed us a gold medal! (Though I don't think it's made of real gold!) We had the best afternoon laughing and joking about our day. It was a blast!
So then a few days later Jeff and I were in town with Ben and ran into our neighbors and were chatting. "We just heard your name on the radio!" Me? What on earth would I be on the radio for? Jeff asked me if I had been arrested or ticketed? Funny honey! "I'm sure they said, Karen Kunkel?" and a few seconds later, "Oh, yeah, did you just win the big race!?" I was a bit embarrassed that they announced this on the radio, because now I have to explain that I started last, finished last and was last all through the middle!
Then later that same day a dear friend brought her son for piano lessons and had a big beautiful helium balloon that said, "Congratulations!" She had heard I took first in the race also!
So even though I finished last, I am so thankful that I was able to finish. I am still in awe at God's goodness and grace towards me, a sinner! It brings whole new meaning to the verse: Matthew 20:16 "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
The gold medal:
