747th Place

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Jackie Creer

As a mother of three children, I felt like I was in a decent rhythm with my family and finally felt like I had some free time. I had just been blessed with a new neighbor who encouraged me to train with her for a sprint (short distance) triathlon.

A few months later I stood at the starting line. I was surrounded by thousands of fellow athletes and in complete awe of my surroundings and the magnitude of this race. I recall the race director leading the next wave of swimmers in a group cheer. She told us that the words of the cheer could serve as a critical crutch if during our race we allowed self-doubt to enter our minds. We repeated the cheer several times as the start of our race drew near:
“I am a swimmer!
I am a cyclist!
I am a runner!
I am a triathlete!”

The significance of the cheer seemed lost amongst the waves of participants. Soon my race began. I darted out into the water fast and confident knowing swimming was my strongest event. Unfortunately, with the surge of adrenalin, combined with pushing and panic, self-doubt filled me as if it were literally trying to sink me. I exerted every bit of energy I could muster as I thrashed in the water, I seemed to progress absolutely nowhere.

My thoughts moved quickly to:
“What am I doing here?
What was I thinking?
I certainly did not train hard enough.
I can’t do this!”

In that moment of despair, I saw my friend and training partner swim next to me. My mind clicked:
“I am a swimmer…”
As I found my rhythmic stroke and breath I repeated in my mind:
“I am a swimmer…”

I finished the race in 747th place. However, I claimed with confidence that I finished the race a champion – simply because I had triumphed over self-doubt.

The adversary wants me to believe that I’m not good enough. A champion understands that they are always good enough with Christ. He delivers us from sin. He mourns with us in heartache. His grace is sufficient for all who choose to take it.

As a mother, I knew I was responsible to help my children understand that although we have weaknesses we can be strong in Christ. We can be a champion over the adversary and all of our fears and heartache in this earthly journey. I realized that my children were turning to me and looking for answers just as I did from my own parents not so long ago… It was my turn to step up. It was necessary for my children to be able to see the strength and light of Christ through me. Perhaps it was also necessary for a new cheer: “You are a daughter of God and you are enough with Christ…”

-JC

As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Do I triumph over self-doubt shaking my faith in Christ?
Do I recognize Christ’s profound influence in my life?
Do I seek opportunities to testify of Him?

Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies

1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons orange zest (optional)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6-ounce package dried cranberries
2 cups white chocolate pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy.

Hand stir in eggs, vanilla and orange zest; don’t overmix.

Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation.

Stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough. Gently roll. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.