Embrace the Mud

A warning given at the starting line--

“The turn-around point is flooded today.”

Given how much rain fell the day before,

It was easy to imagine puddles

Prevalent on the rail trail by the stream,

But it was hard to imagine a flood.

When our band of three and other runners

Reached the point where we’d finally turn back

We saw not a flood but copious mud

With no way to possibly get around.

At that point we had to make a judgement—

Whether to be cautious or run straight through.

I heard myself shout an invitation,

“Embrace the mud.” As much to myself as

Any of the other four runners there.

We ran directly to the orange cone,

Not caring how much of the mud we splashed.

Covering shoes and shins and shorts and shirts,

Then turning around to finish the race.

Splashing again till we were past the mud

Everyone noticing amounts of spots

That covered each runner as we went on.

But no one caring as we’d made it through

And could carry on with the task at hand.

As we continued on toward the finish line

Picking up the pace as we ran each mile,

I was pondering way back in my mind

How I’d approach the next issue in life

When there’s no easy way to get around.

Would I again shout to embrace the mud?

Or cautiously do my best to avoid?

I hope that my shout in the woods that day

Sets the tone for facing all challenges.