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b'Taylor entered his coordinates into the dashboard computer, and his location popped up on the screen. He did some quick figuring, glad now that he had paid attention in geometry, and plotted the last leg of his flight. Only 1,312,569 more miles and he\\u2019d be home. He could see Earth in the distance, a miniature cobalt crescent.\\nHe yawned widely, programmed in a new series of coordinates, and engaged autopilot. The Perseverance had been a reliable ship for his first Steel Bones Space Marathon, a biennial, interplanetary race. The craft was also well-named, as the ever-changing route always encompassed at least five planets. He\\u2019d spent the last eight weeks alone in this tiny space. A cheeseburger and a hot shower had never sounded so good.\\nAt fifteen, Taylor was this year\\u2019s youngest contestant. He couldn\\u2019t hope to win against the field of more experienced flyers, but he had trained hard, preparing his mind and body for the rigors of the race. He hoped to finish within the qualifying time for membership in the prestigious Pendleton Academy, where he\\u2019d pursue a degree in space exploration. That prize had kept him well focused.\\nAs he neared home, Earth\\u2019s beautiful blues and greens filled his windshield. He throttled down and adjusted his angle to reenter the atmosphere. As he did, the ban on communications lifted. His sister Ella filled his screen.\\n\\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Taylor, you did it!\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d she exclaimed. \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153You\\u2019re within five hours of the deadline!\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nTaylor grinned, well aware of it but appreciating her enthusiasm nonetheless. The camera shifted and his parents appeared. \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Taylor, we\\u2019re so proud of you!\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d Dad shouted. Mom beamed her agreement, too choked up to speak.\\nAustralia loomed large. Sydney came into view, and then the finish runway. The Perseverance\\u2019s wheels touched down. Taylor taxied toward the terminal and disembarked into a huge crush of spectators. He gasped, recognizing friends, neighbors, and schoolmates. They were all shouting! Congratulating him! Welcoming him home!\\nWith a wide grin, he embraced his mom and dad. The hard work and long weeks were suddenly forgotten. The sacrifices had all been worth it. \\u2022 Michelle Isenhoff\\n\\u2022 Reread today\\u2019s Bible verses. How can the Christian walk be compared to a race?\\n\\u2022 Why is \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153keeping our eyes on Jesus\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d so important (Hebrews 12:2)? \\nTherefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us\\u2026.Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nActs 20:22-24; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3'