have never fully understood why people run marathons. While I’m certain they are not an insane bunch, it seems a bit unbalanced for anyone to train and train to go that distance all at one time. And for what? What are they running from, running to, or running for?

That the human spirit is challenged to accomplish insane extremes is evident all around! And with daily reality defined by desk jobs, sedentary commutes, and technology-driven multitasking, I imagine it’s invigorating to know what 26.2 miles feel like in the body. It’s a knowledge I do not possess.

Nature consists of other overachievers. During its migration from Brazil to northeastern Canada, a semipalmated sandpiper will fly the human equivalent of 126 marathons in a row, with no food or water in between. To prepare for this feat of endurance, these tiny avian athletes pack on 40-60% of their body weight in pure fat. Their bones hollow out and their digestive organs shrink and atrophy. At the same time, their pectoral muscles grow by nearly 50%.

What would it be like to offer one’s body to go that distance? To shape and reshape oneself in the service of an extraordinary journey? What are you willing to offer in your life’s journey as an educator? What educational training, extended self-giving, and enduring spirit of consecration and commitment must be resident in the Adventist teacher to go the distance to bring another of God’s kids to the kingdom? Are you prepared to go the distance in the marathon we know as the school year?

It is easy to retreat into elsewhere and avoid the daily race for kids’ hearts. We can tune out reality behind the sheer busyness of daily schedules or be lost within our digital devices. A journey of excellence is an enduring race that requires focus and faith. Healthy habits for mind and body are just the start of keeping Adventist educators focused on transforming lives. Aligning all that we do with the salvific goal for students is vital in this life-changing 180-day ministry marathon.

Many never fully understand why you would participate in this exhausting race. To believe unwaveringly in what your students can become through Christ-centered learning is an exercise of faith. For this prize Adventist educators’ energy and engagement are monumental investments given faithfully. Students’ potential to impact their family, community, and church around the globe is the result of faith in action.

I have stood in Greece overlooking the Plain of Marathon where the overmatched Athenians won an unexpected victory against the Persians. A messenger ran without stopping to deliver the news in Athens about 26 miles away. As educators we look forward to proclaiming the victory over ignorance at graduation. As Adventist Christian educators it is with much higher anticipation that we look forward to the victory over evil and the eternal prize which is in Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul likely passed by Marathon as he traveled into Athens some five centuries after the historic battle occurred. He wrote the following words excerpted from Hebrews 12:1-3,

Dennis L Plubell

Interim Vice President for Education

Dennis L. Plubell, currently serving as the Interim Vice-President for Education at the North American Division, brings a wealth of experience and a collaborative spirit to Adventist Education. With 45 years of service spanning school, conference, union, and division levels, Dennis has dedicated over 25 years to union/conference leadership roles, including his previous tenure as Director of Secondary Education and Accreditation at the NAD Office of Education. A passionate advocate for the Journey to Excellence initiative and a key contributor to the development of accreditation standards and educator certification protocols, Dennis is deeply committed to supporting leaders and educators in guiding young minds to embrace Jesus. Known for his caring communication and insightful counsel, he continues to inspire and empower Adventist educators to fulfill their calling with excellence.