The Race

It was very interesting this year (2005) to follow the Iditarod in Alaska, which started March 6,2005 in Alaska. This is the big dog sled race across over 1000 miles of Alaska. The dangers are many - low branches, wild animals, freezing rain, mountains. This year a young 20-year old blind woman - Rachel Scdoris, was running. They’ve never had a blind runner before. She had to fight hard to be admitted, and had sought permission many times to be a part of the race. It is a tough, long race and about 20% of the runners with sight never finish. Blind runners have been in other dog sled races, but they have used two sighted runners ahead of them on snowmobiles. The officials would allow no compromises for Rachel. She did have someone running ahead of her with a two-way radio, but he was a racer just as any other racer. No snowmobile or other technical devices. No GPS, computer, or night vision goggles. Her goal was simply to finish the race, the first blind person to finish the race.

Paul Ellering is the friend running in front of her with his dog sled relaying what he saw to her using a two way radio. They would not allow him to use a snowmobile – Paul had to run it like Rachel. Paul is a former pro-wrestler, 51 years old, has run the race before, and the Oregonian says he is very religious. I think they meant spiritual.

Isn’t that like us? The Apostle Paul says we are running a race.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Tim 4:7 NKJV

I can identify with Rachel. The Apostle Paul also says we see through the glass dimly. We can’t see too well, and depend on spiritual eyes from those running the race before us.

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
1 Cor 13:12 NKJV

Rachel did not see herself as disadvantaged. When someone asked her what she would do if something happened to Paul. She replied simply “I guess I’d have to help him.” Rachel says her goal was simply to finish the race. She will set a major record if she does just that - finishes the race well. Isn't that what God asks us to do?

P.S. Although Rachel didn't finish the race this year, she views this year's run as experience and intends to try again. She made it approximately halfway, and quit because her dogs wre giving out and she had concern for them. The other racers acknowleged she has what it takes to win. She will be leading the Starlight Parade in Portland in June, 2005.