Taking Hold

" 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:7-14

When I read this, as it soaks into my spirit, I feel two ways:

On one hand, I see myself as the Prodigal son, I am full-out galloping through a desert, the mirror-like mirage effect shimmering in the heat, sweat and tears pouring from me as I exert everything I am, running towards my Father... I can see Him as He full-out runs towards me, arms extended too, but it's as if I am watching it in slow motion special effect, like you'd see in a movie. I have left behind everything that I strived to acquire that was treasured by worldly standards that I finally realized was worthless, and straining ahead to take hold of Him that finally got hold of me...the ultimate treasure, Jesus and all that He is.

On the other hand, I see myself as an Eric Liddell (legendary Christian Scotsman runner) type, running a track and field event, the ultimate race, 10,000 meter or marathon with huddles(!) running in stride, with my eyes firmly fixed on the finish line. I can hear the roar of the crowd, the cheers and encouragement of those who had passed before me, and I am not even getting winded, even as I feel weak in myself My Father's strength courses through me and I am able to sail over the obstacles, and I am way out ahead, the prize now visible at the finish line...

The prize, the Goal is within reach. Everyday that passes here is another day closer to being with my Beloved. I am fueled by His love, grace, and mercy, and so I keep running and my focus on My Father/Bridegroom/King. When I fall down, I get back up again, never taking my gaze from His Face.
Maranatha...come Lord Jesus!