Faith and Miles: Devotions and Reflections for the Runner's Soul
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
1 Corinthians 11: 1
The story of Patch impacted me like no other book in elementary school.
Chapter Two: The Transformative Power of Books to Motivate: How "Patch" Inspired My Childhood
Good books have a unique power; they can inspire us, challenge our beliefs in positive life-giving ways, and shape our understanding of the world, especially during the formative years of childhood. One book that left a lasting impression on me is "Patch." Its pages ignited my determination and filled me with hope for a brighter future, even if I didn't fully grasp that idea then. Through this captivating story, I uncovered fresh perspectives that guided me on my journey with unwavering confidence.
It all started with a brief chat with the elementary school librarian, who had noticed my passion for running. She suggested I read "Patch," completely unaware of how that half-minute exchange would transform my life forever.
"Patch" didn't just tell a story; it reinforced my newfound confidence after winning my first race—a surprising victory that propelled me forward.
Patch is a beloved character from a children's book published when I entered the world. This heartwarming tale, which graced the shelves of elementary school libraries for decades, follows the journey of a boy named Patch, who discovers his incredible talent for running. With the guidance of his dedicated coach, Mr. Anderson, Patch evolves into an exceptional miler, learning to harness his potential in ways he never imagined.
It’s incredible how a book can ignite a spark of potential and drastically alter the course of one’s life—just like it did for me. I first encountered the book "Patch" during elementary school, and its profound impact on me. Yet, it wasn't until I reached my 41st year that I grasped its significance.
Life Reflection
Reflecting on the tale of Patch, I realize it offered a prophetic glimpse into my future in many ways. The story resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to tap into my talent for running. At its core, "Patch" tells the captivating journey of a high school miler with the same name, weaving in real-life legends of the sport I admired.
Rereading "Patch" as an adult was nothing short of eye-opening. The portrayal of training methods from that era was spot-on and fascinating. For example, it recounts the remarkable feats of Roger Bannister, the first man to break the four-minute mile, and includes some of his inspiring quotes that still resonate today.
Patch experienced a remarkable transformation after unearthing his running talent. His newfound ability was more than a skill; it opened doors to friendships, meaningful connections, and invaluable life lessons along his journey.
Due to this book's powerful influence on my life, I spent 25 years searching for it. It wasn’t until January 2024 that I finally discovered it on Welcome to Open Library | Open Library, a moment that felt like unearthing treasure. My wife, Julie, had joined the quest over the years, but in the end, finding “Patch” felt like reclaiming a part of my soul.
The narrative turned out to be a true prophetic reflection of my life. It resonated with me during a dark period when bullying overshadowed my self-esteem and I struggled to find my place in school and life. Like Patch, I didn’t realize my potential until I took a leap and entered my first race—barefoot and fearless, reminiscent of his unconventional start.
Another twist of fate? Patch's mentor, Coach Anderson, is the same name as my high school track coach. Coincidence? I think not! Coach Anderson guided Patch, a quiet and reserved character, to become a formidable miler, emphasizing the importance of year-round training—a lesson that ultimately changed my life.
In "Patch," I found hope. Sometimes, I believe God presents us with a book like Patch to instill hope within us.
As I further reflect on my journey, one verse echoes in my mind—Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." This scripture highlights how God actively steps into our lives, often through gifted individuals who understand our needs, even when we're oblivious. Looking back, I can easily identify those remarkable people who interceded for me in my darkest hours. Who were your champions? How can you pay those gifts forward?
I am endlessly grateful to the coaches and educators, like my elementary school librarian, who recognized the pivotal moments in my life and seized them. Their belief in me opened up a world of possibilities. Like Coach Anderson did for Patch, my own Coach Anderson played a crucial role in reshaping my path.
With each new track and field season on the horizon, I can’t shake the feeling that another “Patch” is out there, ready to discover their gift. I hope to be the coach who recognizes their potential, helping them find their place in the world and chase their dreams.
Questions for Prayer and Reflection
1. What book or other resources will inspire a young person you know to see their God-given potential?
2. Is there a teacher, coach, or librarian who knows a child well enough to recommend a book that will reinforce their gifts?
3. Who are you called to help and how can you get them to see their unique gifts?
4. What are at least five other ways you can help a child to see their potential?
Read why I am writing this blog series if you missed it here: Faith and Miles: Devotions for a Runner's Soul
The story of Patch inspired my journey from elementary school through high school. In this article, I ran 1:51.7 (1:52.3 for 880 yards) for 800 meters back in 1975, finishing second by a small margin in the USA National Junior Olympics in Ithaca, New York as a junior in high school. The time is still the area record 50 years later. The story of Patch gave me focus and hope that maybe I could excel at something. In Patch, I saw hope.