Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Dear God, the cloud of witnesses is a beautiful thought. I wonder who is watching me? I wonder what they can see that I don’t see. For example, I often wonder about the daughter my wife and I lost while my wife was newly pregnant. Whenever I’m going through something with one of our kids now, I picture her praying for all of us. I’m sure she loves her brother and sister and is rooting for them. I know we’ve told them about her, but I wonder if they will be surprised to meet her one day on the other side. Even though I have this head and heart knowledge about her, how surprised will I be.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about other relatives who have passed and are cheering me on. Compared with my wife, I haven’t lost that many, but I think of my grandparents, my mother-in-law, my grandmother-in-law, and others who are for me. Frankly, especially with our daughter, the thought of her cheering for me and being concerned about me gives me some level of accountability. I think about her watching me—especially when I’m struggling as a father. I even talk to her sometimes. I should probably acknowledge all of them more. I am grateful for their love. I’m grateful for your love too, and I know you are watching me.

Father, I will run to finish the race you laid out for me. You have been good to me, and I am grateful. Now I must press on. It’s not time to step back. It’s time to throw myself into you. It’s time to be there for those you have put around me. It’s time for me to love mercy, live justly, and walk humbly with you. I’m doing it for you most of all, but part of me is doing it for them too. I don’t want their love for me to be in vain.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen