Lessons from the Trail: Running Together

My friend Pam sent the following observations about my last entry re: Lessons from the Trail: Finish or Camp? I wrote about how my husband had come back on the trail to encourage me after he had already run his race. Pam wrote,

Greg’s love was a picture of God and how He is there, not always rescuing us OUT of the situation but making sure we know he’s there, he is with us, he cares that life is hard, we are not alone, we are loved… no we are cherished and at the moment we know we are cherished, our perspective feels so different. Life can still be tough but we are of value, loved and cherished by the one we love. In the moments when things are good between husband and wife it is a picture, maybe a glimmer, of our relationship with God.

Even though I was not in my best shape (I have previously confessed that I am carrying extra pounds, and have not been faithful to working out and taking care of myself the best I can) when Greg came back on that trail he came to encourage me -- not to deride me for not being in better shape or for not being better prepared for this race; nor to point out my weaknesses; he didn't come to carry me to the finish-line or "excuse me" from finishing (which frankly I would have accepted at that moment, but have regretted later) -- he  simply came out of love, to encourage and empower me to finish the race before me. That is what God does for us. He meets us where we are, and asks us if we want to run with Him. 

What's your answer?