YE DID RUN WELL . . . I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU [Galatians 5:7,10]

Hebrews 12:1  "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us . . . " Ah, that's tough to do isn't it?  Jacob has been red-shirting on the BYU track team  since  his return from the Florida Tallahassee Mission.    Jacob was a great leader on his mission, and, as always, gained the experiences he would need later in his life.  Of course, the task is always to figure out how to do that and define and maintain exactly what strengths you have been given with the opportunities you have had, as well as what weaknesses you are being given the opportunity to overcome.  He was faced with the task of getting back into competition shape, both academically and athletically.  Jacob gave me some of his writings for a Christmas present, which were impressive in both depth and expressive ability: those skills he had honed on his mission were standing him in good stead.  He was doing well in his studies, but this spring what was on his mind was a good run. By the end of the term, he was looking for one good run to give him the confidence he needed and take him over the top.  After completing his finals for Spring Term, Jacob stayed on to compete in the Robison Invitational, unattached (because he is redshirting and so not an official member of the BYU Track and Field team--to retain eligibility).  As a Freshman, Jacob had been one of the fortunate freshmen to make traveling team status during track season and contribute to the Mountain West Conference win.  He competed in the Steeplechase and was successful enough to make it to Regionals!  The Steeplechase (3000) is a hard run with hurdles and water to jump over.  Jacob had also made some modest claims to fame in the mile (if there's such a thing as a modest claim to fame) in high school, running a fast enough mile to draw national attention his Junior year of High School and garnering him many eager college recruiters and eventually a spot on the BYU team, his first choice.  So, Jacob decided to run the mile at the Robison Invitational to see if he could come up with his one good run!  We were thrilled along with Jacob when he ran a personal best in the mile!  An outstanding time and a great run!  Because his former time was for a 1600 and this was a full mile and it was run in Utah, where they adjust for altitude on the times, I'm not confident enough to write the exact time . .. but it was speedy!  Some seconds faster than a 4.11 mile!  Congratulations Jacob!  "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured . . ." (Hebrews 12:2)  There is something very meaningful about enduring patiently, looking forward to the "joy that is set before you" . . .  that is hoped for, not yet achieved, and persisting in  hard work (and workouts!)  Most importantly, for Jacob's family, and his future family, we are grateful to have a son that is not only talented, skilled and competent, but is grounded spiritually and looks to the Savior Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of his faith.  That is the most important race set before him.  Way to run, Jacob . . . in every way!  We are proud of you!