As we stand at the threshold between years, we're invited to consider our lives through the powerful metaphor of running a race. Hebrews 12:1-2 presents us with a transformative vision: we're not spectators in the Christian life, but active participants in an endurance race that demands our full commitment. The passage challenges us to examine what weighs us down—those distractions, comforts, and even good things that have become too dominant, pulling our focus away from Christ. Like Martha in her distracted busyness, we can find ourselves doing things for Jesus while missing the essential act of sitting at His feet. The call here is radical: strip away everything that hinders, lay aside every sin that entangles, and run with agonizing determination—not in our own strength, but with eyes fixed on Jesus, who both founded and perfected our faith. He didn't just tell us to endure; He showed us how, carrying His cross to completion. As we evaluate our lives and enter a new year, we're reminded that we're not here by accident, we're uniquely created with eternal purpose, and we're wonderfully loved by the God who marked out our race before we ever took our first step.