The other day, I failed my first driving test.  I had gone to the testing centre fully prepared.  Two of my friends had taught me how to drive, and I had paid for extra lessons at a driving school.  I had a smooth drive with the examiner, but as I was entering the parking lot of the testing centre, I made too wide a turn and bumped the curb.  “This mistake qualifies as an automatic failure,” my examiner told me as she showed me the examination sheet.  Then she asked me to come back after 30 days.

This experience drew my mind to today’s readings.  If I lose sight of the finish line, I will not receive the prize.  Like my trainers and friends who were expecting me to send them word of a positive outcome to my driving test, “a cloud of witnesses” surrounds all of us.  They challenge us and look forward to a positive outcome from our actions.  The writer of Hebrews encourages us to learn from the faith of others by considering “the outcome of their way of life”.

I have another race to finish beyond getting a driver’s license.  As I take the final turn toward graduation from divinity school and return to my home in Côte d’Ivoire, I want to remain focused until the end, being mindful of people whom I can help with my ministry.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for speaking to us through life’s lessons.  Help us to be faithful and obedient to you every day.  Amen.