THE BEST AND THE WORST

By Jack Gray

            Years ago I went to work with a church in a distant state for a series of evangelistic meetings. As was my custom, while I was there I tried to help them stabilize their local programs at the same time. The young man who served as their minister had obvious ability; but also seemed quite discouraged as well. You could just feel that something was not right. He blurted out “I like working with this church, but we have more nuts per square yard than a pecan orchard!” As I went to a lot of places in the years that followed I thought often of that upset young man; and of how he was probably more correct than we cared to admit.

            The truth of the matter is religion appeals to both the best and the worst in human nature. I do not hesitate to tell you that the finest people you will every meet in this world are members of the church. Neither do I hesitate to say that the worst pretenders you will find anywhere are in regular church attendance somewhere. After all, some of the worst crimes committed through the ages have been performed in the name of religion. So in the church you will find those who are honestly trying to live their Christianity every day; but others will use it as a haven for bigotry, greed and selfishness. It is hardly any wonder, that some have been turned off to all religion simply because all they have ever seen is the worst that it has to offer. Regretfully, they assume that is all that is to it.

            Do you realize that running is much the same? It, too, appeals to the extremes. For some strange reason, not many middle of the road, run-of-the-mill people are attracted to running. We sincerely wish they were. Our strongest appeal, instead, is to both ends of the scale. This is both our blessing and our curse.

            Some of the finest people I have known I have met through running. It has been such a joy to know them. To me, they are the best that running has to offer. Many of them would do anything for you. They will help you fix a flat or give you a ride home. I really believe they would pay your registration fee if you were caught short…not because you were already good friends but just because you are a runner and that is just the kind of people they are.

            You would be naive, however, if you think all runners are like that, for running draws flies. This is our dark side. So we have those who will cut a course to win a race. They will lie to a race director to avoid paying a registration fee. The will steal your things if they get half a chance. No wonder some are so down on runners, because this is the kind they have seen or heard about.

            Yet this is not a matter of some being good and others being bad. There is also something about running that brings out both the best and worst in all of us. The overriding desire to win can become more important that honorable conduct. Being dissatisfied with yourself can make you sharp with others. We begin to have attributes we abhor in anyone else.

            This has very little to do with how fast you run. Sometimes the reverse is true. Sometimes elite runners become the worst offenders. The can become someone who expects the advantages in every race. Others are supposed to get out of their way. Race directors are expected to honor all of their personal preferences. Some will not even speak to those they don’t consider to be in their class of runners. They have their own cliques; and, seemingly, little interest in anyone else. This, too, is not a real attractive side of running.

            So, how could you measure the best runner? I focus on two things; a genuine love of the sport; and true helpfulness towards other runners. Other things are important, to be sure, but these two really impress me. One who really loves running will do all they can to present it in the most favorable light; and will avoid things that hurt it. Those who really want to help other runners will be an encourager in every way possible, in assisting beginning or slower runners to get through those difficult times.

            The best and the worst. They are both with us in running. You must decide which you want to be; and act accordingly. Let’s don’t allow the bad to color our sport, or even to discourage us too much. That’s just life. Let’s strive for the best we can be, both as a person and as a runner as well.