Something Meaningful

Lest I forget, here's some more about my Oklahoma half marathon experience that really makes it more than a race. I use that term loosely in my case, for by the time I finish, all the "racers" have had their massage, shower and lunch, but I digress.
The Oklahoma Memorial Marathon is billed as "A Run to Remember." The remembrance,is not referring to me remembering what a good time I had, or what a great T-Shirt I got, it's about remembering those who died in the Murrah Building bombing in 1995.
Each mile of the course has banners flying from street light posts, utility poles and such, with names of the victims. For me this is inspiring. As we crazy people run the streets of Oklahoma City, the crowds along the way shout encouragement, but they also tell us "Thank you, for coming, for remembering!" For many of them this yearly event is meaningful, it proves to them that they are not left alone with their memories of that life changing event.
To me it has meaning in that I cannot do the race without taking stock of my own life, and the fact that I, like you, hope that what I do in this life has or will have meaning. Each of us it seems is looking for something with meaning to make us feel alive, or to last beyond the years that we live.
Many times in discussions with people I work with, we often turn to the idea of retirement and what life after "work" will be like. Most often the statement "When I retire, or when they let me go, I would like my next job, or retirement to be something with 'meaning'." Usually, we who are gathered, all nod and acknowledge, that we too, would like to do something with "meaning".
Well, after marathon weekend in OKC, I often do reflect on what in life has meaning. It's not the first time I have come to this conclusion, but I realize again that amid all the demands of life, that everyday has meaning It has to, otherwise, the motivation to go out there, well, it just doesn't exist.
For marriage, raising two sons, inviting daughters into the family,and looking forward to grandchildren all has meaning. If I take the perspective that all life has meaning, even my job as a cheese salesman, then how can I not look forward to tomorrow. Life is all meaning.
As many of you know, I am a John Denver fan. Why? Because so many of the songs he wrote or performed spoke to me as a teenager trying to find meaning in life during the early 1970's when our culture and society seemed to be in chaos. Schmaltzy as some of those songs may seem, there is meaning there. So when it comes to this getting older issue, there's one song that really says a lot, if not all about where I am now, and meaning. Like the people in Oklahoma City who see meaning in a group of people running through their neighborhoods on a Sunday morning, I look for the meaning of the past and the future. Here's some of John's words that seem to fit me now.
Poems,Prayers and Promises, by John Denver, copyright 1971.
I've been lately thinking about my life's time,
all the things I've done and how it's been,
and I can't help believn' in my own mind
I know I'm gonna hate to see it end.

Now jump to the first line of the chorus...

I have to say it now it's been a good life all in all,
it's really fine to have the chance to hang around,...

And that says it for me. Just having the chance to hang around, that in itself has meaning. Look for your meaning today.

Peace my friends.

168 Seconds.

Yesterday I ran in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This is my 7th time of traveling the 5 hours to run either the full marathon (26.2 miles 3 times) or the half (13.1 miles, 4 times). My first year was 2003 and it was the 3rd year of the event. That year there were about 4000 participants. We lined up before daylight on a windy Sunday morning after hearing an inspirational sermon, and music at the "survivor tree" on the grounds of the National Memorial. Not only was this my first time at the event it was my first ever marathon.
It was exciting to be pressed in between the sidewalks with all these people who had a common purpose: Run the race before us and finish, upright, about a block from where we started.
Over the loudspeaker that morning, above the loud rock music, the announcer thanked all the sponsors, and introduced dignitaries and guests. Told us to look for the celebrity runners, including 1972 Olympic marathon gold medalist Frank Shorter (whom I met and got his autograph). All this was going on over the din of 4000 nervous and excited people, anxious to be on their way. Waiting for the starting horn.
As we all talked and speculated about what the day would bring,the tone in the announcer's voice turned serious as he began talking about the morning of April 19 1995, when a truck bomb blasted the Federal Building, killing 168 people including 19 children. I was trying to hear, but the people kept on talking. He closed by announcing there would be 168 seconds of silence to honor those who died that day. I thought to myself, "yeah, right." Just as he finished the statement, I was amazed as the entire crowd , this street filled with 4000 plus people, became completely quiet. The only sound was the morning song of some bird, being picked up by the open mic. I had never experienced anything quite like it. Standing there for over 2 minutes, in silence, honoring people most of us did not know.
Yesterday, April 25, 2010 was the 10th year of the marathon. There were over 23,000 participants according to the TV reports, and when at 6:20, the announcer called for that 168 seconds of silence, I was again amazed and moved as 4 city blocks packed with people became one silent voice, honoring those who died 15 years ago.
When I closed my eyes at the beginning of that 168 seconds, it was dark, when I opened them the glow of the sun was just starting to peek through the clouds. When I looked up,there were in front of me two women hugging. Both had tears on their cheeks. Who were they? I don't know. But I do know that 168 seconds of silence for them was golden.
For me that 168 seconds was the only time I was still for the next 2 hours as I ran the 13.1 miles that brought me back to the finish line, just a block from where I began.
As I think about that silence, I think that everyday, 168 seconds of silence and stillness is probably what I need. A time of stillness, to think about and remember not only what God has done for me, but also those people who are or have been in my life and helped me get to where I am.
Take a moment of silence now, maybe 168 moments, as a suggested time, and remember.
Peace, my friends.