Keeping the Pace

This morning I went jogging.

Actually, I went limping, with my new case of plantar fasciitis torturing me at every step. I looked like a wounded water buffalo, behind the herd, stumbling in a losing battle across a vast savanna. On the horizon, I spotted a man walking his dog with ease. I immediately felt self-conscious about my struggling pace.

I stumbled closer —and into his dog, who greeted me with the enthusiasm only a wagging tail can convey. In my embarrassment, I managed a polite head nod, avoiding eye contact in shame, and tried to pick up my feet again. Around the back side of the pond, the man and his pooch were also doing a second lap.

As I prepared to pass again on my walk of shame, he addressed me cheerily. “You’re making good time!” I hate “pity encouragement.” In the past, I’ve done much better than this poor representation of my endurance.

I used to run races, hike mountains, and bike hundreds of miles.

Before I could explain why his pity wasn’t deserved, I took a good look at this self-appointed coach before me. He was missing part of his face.

His nose was completely sunken and bore proof that he had experienced recovery and more than his fair share of pity encouragement.

I didn’t look away, yet the scars and distortion faded instantly as I recognized what he was trying to convey to me. It was a truly beautiful moment in which two people looked deeply into each other’s eyes and really saw one another.

In a single second, we shared a lesson of how silly we are about the perceptions of others, shook our heads, and audibly chuckled.

While I have since forgotten the details of his face, I will not forget the message in his words. We all carry scars. We all have had better days, but there is beauty beneath. We have only to exercise it, and that beauty will cover all the deformities of these outward blemishes. So, whatever you are doing to improve your physical and mental strength today, don’t become discouraged.

You’re making great time!

Wendy Williams