One Last Run With Meg - P.S.

In the few conversations I've had with Scott about his wife Meg's death, the hardest part for me, one man of God speaking to another man of God, is my complete inability to answer the question why. A couple of times Scott has wondered why out loud, but always he's wearing a look of why. I'm sure I haven't been less successful at answering that question than anyone else, but that doesn't make it feel any less defeating. Because let's face it, if we could just offer him and Meg's family that one answer, why, the healing would go so much faster. 

What I do believe, and I believe it today more than ever, is Romans 8:28 -

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In the 24 hours after I posted the story about Scott's intention to run in the Boston Marathon, over 15,000 people viewed the story. I guess that's around 600 people an hour. The readers came from 10 different countries around the world. It was read by at least 10 people in every state in the United States. I was awed by those numbers. Only one thing explains them. The Megsmiles community is unwilling to let a tragic death fade away in vain. 

I'll be honest with you - in the days after Meg's death, I made a personal commitment to be a better husband and father. I was going to live in the gym. I joined thousands of others who made similar promises to themselves, their families, and others. Inside, though, I'm sure I believed this tragedy and my commitments would pass to the land of forgotten like so many tragedies before it. 

There were two things I underestimated, though. The love for Meg Menzies - and runners. 

I'm gaining a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the running community. You guys don't fade. You may stop and take a break, but then you pick it right back up more determined than ever. You stay continually committed to running further and faster, adding as many to your pack along the way as you can possibly collect. You don't believe in fading momentum - or stories that die.

I believe God has picked the running community for a reason. The spirit of Meg Menzies isn't meant to die. Quite the opposite, actually. I believe God wants it to be carried around this world and touching lives in a way that only runners have the stamina to achieve, or at the very least lead. If you don't share my faith in God, I understand, but there's good news anyways.  As much as Meg's memory needs faith, it also needs commitment and enthusiasm. 

It would appear to me the running community has all the 3 bases covered.