Life Lessons From the Relay

* Good things can come from heartbreak * People really do care * I can go all day without going to the bathroom * People will help if you ask * Don’t count on the weatherman, put God in charge * People really will pray for the weather * Relay volunteers can move mountains * Healing happens on the track * It’s more than just a candle *It’s more than just one night * Son-in-laws look good in red tights and in wigs * You really can “feel the love tonight” * Sand in baggies is a genius idea * Wish I would have thought of that genius idea * You can sell about anything in a basket * Fish tastes better when eaten outside* All the hard work is worth it * Tears heal * A luminary has a story * Count every penny * Every penny counts * I’m not too proud to beg for  Relay dollars * Relay dollars make a difference * Everyone looks beautiful by moonlight * Humidity is real * Dew can make a mess * The sight of a burning luminary bag is heartbreaking * Some people freak if you throw away their luminary  *A hug makes all the difference* There’s no need to apologize for being sweaty when someone wants to hug you * You can’t pay a volunteer what they are worth * We can teach ACS staff * Superhero capes come in all sizes *Rain only creates change *Kim and Kelli know how to deal with rain * Roger’s hugs are the best* Candles can quieten an entire track * You don’t even hear the trucks at 9pm * A train always come through about 9pm * HOPE is always there *In the bleachers and in hearts* Relay shirts are a fashion statement  * Relay shirts can be worn for years * Next year are some of  my favorite words * Purple shirts are empowering * Words of encouragement really do help * Emotions are real on the track *Pastors raise lots of money when wet * We always print too many programs *Sweet Tea at Midnight will keep you going * The perfect sunset picture would have been 2 minutes later * I can walk 12 miles and never make it all the way around the track * Rainbows and sunsets make it all the more magical * All I have to do is ask *A junk car and a hammer will make money *Everyone feels safe at Relay * We can pray if we want  *It takes a lot of keys to get things set up  *Cheerleaders really are encouragers * Emotions are OK *Tears in the dark make us feel better* No one really walks alone * Clean up is always faster than set up * Memories are made at Relay * Nothing really goes according to plan * Most will never know it’s not going according to plan* Kids love Relay *Adults love Relay * Almost everyone loves Relay * Music touches hearts  *They really do listen to the music * Sound system problems can be resolved * People just want to spend time together * People you don’t know will help you * Survivors love to tell their stories * Caregivers run from the spotlight * Jesus is the real superhero * Some guys really do look good in dresses * Oh and some don’t * “Fight Song” will get everyone singing along * There may be tears but there is nothing depressing about Relay * I always have too much to say *Some people will really walk up and say can I help * Even if we don’t make our goal it’s ok * Everyone loves Relay on Relay night * Get next year’s volunteers then* Best friends make amazing co-chairs * Co-chairs can make you cry * Daughters can’t say no to Relay moms * People are supportive even when we think otherwise * Sunscreen and Joe’s are Relay day essentials *People are serious about tug-a-war * It’s not just a 12 hour or a 6 hour event * Grand kids love to help *Some people will change their plans because of Relay  * My projects become his projects * 8 year olds can raise a lot of money * Marshmallow shooters create memories *At 11pm everything tastes good *Adults don’t like to eat baby food  *Adults love inflatables and barrel trains * Everyone’s a kid at Relay * Alligators can be wrestled on the track * The trash always gets picked up * Middle schoolers are actually pretty fun to be around * It’s normal to have 3 showers on Relay day * It’s also normal to not get a shower on Relay day * There is a reason to only have one Relay a year * Strafford knows how to light up a track * Blisters will heal *Vacations after Relay are good, really good * It takes time to recover from Relay *Kids will run a 5K regardless of what shoes they have on * Relay volunteers are tough * Survivors can walk faster than me after 10pm *There are secret survivors among us * There’s more people there than you think * Unity grows on the track * Baptist girls really can dance * Everyone dances when Foot Loose is played * Relay volunteers are flexible * Everything is subject to change * when in doubt- do it anyway  * When you don’t want to do it- do it anyway *A Cure is the goal * People have to experience it to really get it * Relay Fever is real  * and I’m thankful for that there is no cure.