Quote

"Jealousy comes from counting others’ blessings instead of you own."

- Unknown

Real Life

In 2017, María Lorena Ramírez won her first 50km ultramarathon. To complete an ultramarathon is impressive, to win the first one you enter is even more so.

Ramírez further amazed all who witnessed her race, by running without carrying any snacks or high calorie fuel, without wearing running shoes and without a coach. Ramírez simply turned up and raced in the traditional clothes of her tribe; a long skirt, blouse and traditional sandals called guaraches.

Ramírez comes from the Raramuri people who live in the mountains of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are a remarkably fit community due to the mountainous area in which they live and the physically demanding life they lead which includes regular long excursions on foot.

Ramírez’ first competitive win was not a one-off. She went on to win the 100 km ultramarathon in her hometown of Guachochi not once but five times, along with numerous podium finishes around the world.

Over the last the last eight years Ramírez has continued to race in ultramarathons, never intimidated by the gear or support crew of her competitors, simply running her race her way, knowing the ability she has.

When Ramírez was interviewed early on in her career she said that she doesn’t see much of a difference between herself and other runners. Somehow the disparity of support and resources between Ramírez and her competitors has never bothered her, she knows who she is and what she can do and that is enough for her.

As far as fair distribution of resources goes, the playing field in sport is seldom even. Olympic athletes from a small, third world country compared to those from a large western nation will have a great deal less gear, coaching, nutritional support and even medical attention. Likewise, in a kids’ team, it may be that one player may have all the latest gear and get extra coaching, while another has to get himself to the games, gets no extra support and all his gear is ill-fitting hand me downs.

When we are the one with less resources, it can be tempting to feel sorry for ourselves or be envious of what the other has. It can feel unfair. In fact, it is unfair. But focusing on the injustice of it will not help us. What will help is being at peace with who we are, the talents we have and the hard work we have put in. We can focus on doing our best in the moment irrespective of what advantage or disadvantage we have.

The bible says envy makes our bones rot, but peace gives life to our body (Proverbs 14:30). No good comes from jealousy, only bitterness and self-pity. But peace in our hearts enables us to bring out our best irrespective of what we are up against. That’s what Ramírez did and look what she has been able to achieve.
 

Bible Verse

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 14:30

Prayer

Thank You Lord for all You have given me. Help never to look at what someone else has and wish it was mine. Help me to value all that I am and all that I have and do my best with that.

Author: Sarah Auld  |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley