"All Shapes and Sizes"

One of the special events during the 4th of July in the Atlanta every year is the Peachtree Road Race. It is a gathering of 55,000 people who are participating in what is called the world's largest 10K race. Because my level of preparation for the event this year had not exceeded what I had planned to do, I made the decision not to run in the Peachtree. At the last minute, I reconsidered the decision and decided to run in the Peachtree Road race after all. I'm glad that I reconsidered because it is such a tremendous experience.

At the Peachtree, you can see all shapes and sizes of people at this event. Some people wore "hero" masks and decorations. Some dressed as Superman, Batman, or Spiderman. Some had the huge "Uncle Sam" dress hats. With 55,000 people you can see almost anything and everything. All along the roadway, there are many people cheering the crowd on. One little girl had a sign which said, "Go Aunt Amy." Radio Stations and politicians are soliciting support. A priest was throwing "holy water" on the runners. Fireman were sitting on top of their tall ladder truck waving the flag and waving to participants. One merchant was giving out coffee and bagels. (I would loved to have seen this merchant "before" or "after" the race, but not "during" the run).

There are serious runners who are trying to win the race and most of them are from Kenya. They would run the race in about 27 minutes. I had not reached the starting line before they were already finished. Most people are just average people who come to enjoy the race and get the prestigious Peachtree Road Race T-Shirt. Some have been running in the race for the past 25 years while others are running for the very first time.

I love the diversity and such represents the world we live in. Ours is a world full of all "shapes and sizes." We can celebrate our diversity and draw strength from one another. Perhaps that is a good lesson for us to learn even when there is not such a big race in town.