“How many false starts does each runner get in a track meet?” my son asked as his thumbs already moved on his phone’s keyboard looking for the answer.
“I think it’s just one.” I responded, proud of my ability to recall something from the recesses of my mind.
Yep. One false start. After that, the runner is disqualified from the race.
Think about it. She has stretched and warmed up, and now is bent over in the starting blocks anticipating the starting gun.
And she flinches. One foot jerks forward and she takes a few fumbling steps forward. Though prepared, she failed to start correctly.
One more chance. Now she is extra careful to wait until she hears the gun. She’s more timid, careful.
I’ve thought about this when it comes to myself in the daily “rat race.” Thank goodness I’m not on the track team. Not only am I relieved I don’t have to wear short shorts and, heaven forbid, actually run, I’m relieved I’m no longer held to the one false start rule.
Because I’d be kicked off the team by now!
I’ve had false starts in many areas of my life. To name a few:
- my desire to eat healthier
- cook more nutritious meals for my family
- read my Bible more faithfully
- spend more time with friends
- go on more dates with husband
- spend more uninterrupted time with my children
- read more books
- exercise daily
- and more.
But good news! I’m still in the race.
And so are you.
Didn’t get it right the first time? A little jumpy, are we? It’s okay. Take a deep breath. Brew another cup of coffee. Chug another protein shake or finish off your kid’s macaroni. Then, get back in the starting blocks and give it another try.
One false start doesn’t disqualify you. It just sets you up for the next attempt.
The challenge is staying in the race.
This post is part of the Five Minute Friday writing community where writers are given the challenge of writing for 5 minutes based on a one-word prompt. This week’s word: CHALLENGE
Christy Cabe 
oh… today I needed to read this. Thank you. 🙂 I think I’m number three this week.
I have suffered a very enormous “false start” as my 40-year marriage has ended over the past year. My husband has found someone else and decided that our marriage needed to be done. I am totally, totally afraid to trust ANYONE at this point in my life. Good to think about this event as a “false start”- but, I don’t know if I will get back into the starting blocks. Thanks for your encouraging words Christy.
Annie