Mud. Obstacles. Heavy burdens. Grueling uphill climbs. Normally at this time of year, the disciplined early morning workouts are being put to the test as my husband and I challenge ourselves on Spartan Obstacle Course races from late spring to early fall. The various distances and obstacles encountered enable us to voluntarily test and realize our physical and mental strength. We enter into a race community, where we experience a physical metaphor for life’s journey. At times, we feel amply strong and capable, but there are moments we must remind ourselves, and each other, to simply continue placing one foot in front of the other, or to grip one bar at a time, until the end of the tasking obstacle. Throughout the course, the statements spoken aloud to one another recognize the challenges, but also celebrate and encourage one another. People—strangers—lend and accept helping hands, for at the start of the race, we each agree not to leave any Spartan behind. Clearing the final obstacle, a leap over fire, always fills me with a sense of accomplishment. It’s always the point that illustrates that it’s through the challenge we feel the vigor and joy of living.
This spring, the early morning trips to the gym ended in March. Not long afterward, it became clear Chris and I would not be joining other Spartans to be tested on the mountain. However, we shared a new common challenge with the greater community: the challenge to accept and adapt to staying at home while COVID-19 terrorized humanity. Some aspects of staying at home were welcome since our schedule prior to the pandemic was “crazy busy,” to say the least. Ironically, our Lenten reading was learning more about honoring the practice of keeping a Sabbath, which seemed impossible at first glance. Then, we were submerged into a set of circumstances that enabled us to be part of a world that was shut down, and feel the quiet, and see some of the benefits that can come from rest. There was time to ignite forgotten hobbies, watch movies, play family games, and enjoy preparing and savoring meals that take time. When we look for moments of Grace, rest and time to simply reflect on what is important are what have arisen out of this period.
As often as we remind ourselves of the gift of time, we also fret over the magnitude of the impact of this virus. The challenges are real and being realized to varying degrees throughout the world. Gratefully, our weekly recorded services provide some spiritual sustenance, reminding me of the faith community, and greater good of which I am a part. Drawing upon my faith keeps my mindset strong. As a teacher, I have always helped others embrace the challenges they face and celebrate every step they make toward overcoming obstacles to achieve goals. Teaching from home has been a trial; instruction through a computer is quite different from the multisensory approach practiced in person. But alas, one Zoom session at a time, with plenty of planning for the right documents, videos and apps to transmit the concepts still needing to be taught, I feel I’m still modeling resiliency. When my students offer their technological insights and help us all learn a shortcut or feature about our new tools, their enormous smile reassures me successes are being experienced. When we share laughter over a comic meme, clip, or snafu, it reinforces the truth that humor lightens the burden. Above all, it’s the ability to simply connect and experience being there for one another that makes the journey meaningful. One of the key life lessons being witnessed within my teaching microcosm: relationships within a community are vital.
Regardless of which community it is we enter into, it’s essential for the members to help share each other’s burdens to ensure everyone successfully gets through the obstacles. Right about now our stamina to stay home, endure the uncertainties of what is to come, and hold fast to that which is good is waning. Together, one step at a time, we’ll jump over the fire, and the hugs and high fives will feel amazing.
Tamara Gordon
