www.ironprayer.com
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.
ATHLETE TESTIMONY
- Glenn Peroni
The Starters Gun
Sports and the outdoors have been a significant part of my life since
very early, so early, in fact, that my dad tells me I could swim
before I could walk. My first taste of competition came in soccer and
soon I had two State Championships to cherish. Cycling quickly
followed and then, in 1984, I entered my first Triathlon. From that
point on I was hooked to the thrill and the challenge of the swim,
bike, run events. Through the early 90's I became a top competitor in
Florida and earned two National Championships. I thrived on the busy
life-style and hard work and soon found myself using the physical
efforts to mask emotional pains. Although I was a competitive athlete
with a great job and supportive family and friends I was spinning my
wheels in an effort to find direction, focus, and peace.
In Transition
In the summer of 1995 I realized that my life-style was simply not
fulfilling my dreams of a life of peace that I could call upon in any
situation. Life was good if training and racing were good and if not,
well, I was not happy. My life had become very “conditional” and
it was difficult because I knew there was a better way. After a couple
of months of soul searching I remembered something my family had told
me many times before, “No matter where you go or what you do, God
will always welcome you with open arms”. This was all it took for me
to get on my knees and ask Jesus to forgive me, to be an active part
of my life, and to help me live each day with Him in my heart.
At Every Finish Line
The challenge remains; to be competitive yet cooperative, to be humble
and still stand out. And, as with anything in life, I find myself
being challenged and pushed to go the extra mile, to make a difference
before I finish the race. I now face these challenges with an
incredible friend, a friend who guides me to make a helpful difference
in the lives of others. My friend's name is Jesus Christ and he is
Available and Faithful to be your friend too. As every morning brings
new things my way I find that my life has the drive and purpose I had
a sincere thirst for all along. And as I face each race, each
challenge, I know that at every turn and at every finish line there is
a friend who loves me with open arms.
Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.