Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile...
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Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile. But the dramatic finish had a very simple beginning. Bannister's first experience of running was on a beach. As he ran he was captivated by the beauty and serenity that surrounded him. Reflecting on that first experience, Bannister said he "could not absorb so much beauty."
This began his ambition of running for the simple pleasure and joy of the experience. Running he said he was, "No longer conscious of my movement I discovered a unity with nature. I found a new source of power and beauty, a source I never dreamt existed." This became Bannister's moment of unity with God and creation.
Jesus said of those who will not have the opportunity of Thomas and the other disciples to see the wounds of the cross, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe." Bannister, like all of us, has not seen Jesus standing before us in the upper room, but we have seen him strolling the beach and other avenues that offer the beauty of creation.
This began his ambition of running for the simple pleasure and joy of the experience. Running he said he was, "No longer conscious of my movement I discovered a unity with nature. I found a new source of power and beauty, a source I never dreamt existed." This became Bannister's moment of unity with God and creation.
Jesus said of those who will not have the opportunity of Thomas and the other disciples to see the wounds of the cross, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe." Bannister, like all of us, has not seen Jesus standing before us in the upper room, but we have seen him strolling the beach and other avenues that offer the beauty of creation.
