STILL IN THE RACE

Our years are comprised of a lifetime of seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter.  Every season is full of success, drama, crisis, failure and hope; hope that the next season will be better than the last.  During “Spring,” we are invincible; the “world is our oyster;” whatever that means. Nothing is impossible if we are willing to go get it.  As we move into “Summer,” reality sets in, our dreams mature and we begin to fill our trophy case with accomplishments.  Oh sure, we let go of some dreams but so many still await us, just over the horizon.  “Autumn” brings a “midlife crisis.”  Our trophy case looks a bit empty and some of the trophies have become a bit tarnished.  We begin to realize that the trophies of some dreams have been won by another and will never fill our case, so we get a tattoo, buy a Harley or go Zip Lining to remind ourselves and our world, “we’ve still got it.”  It is the “Winter” that brings peace.  Life slows down and we begin to reflect on the things that were. The unrealized dreams fade in their importance and we realize that the trophies are just reminders of the Legacy of our Life. 

I began to examine my own Trophy Case.  As I loving held each trophy, the memories flooded my mind.  Oh the feeling of accomplishment, as I accepted this one.  The hard work that went into receiving that one; oh yah, girl, you certainly earned that one.  I moved down the shelf and pulled out 2^nd and 3^rd place awards.  I put forth just as much effort for these but the memories weren’t quite as sweet.  I still heard my name called, stood on the stand, and still received an award; I just hadn’t been able to accomplish all that I desired.  Then I spied the most precious trophy in my collection.

Way in the back, practically unnoticed and a little tarnished sits a small trophy.  The engraved plaque reads simply, “PARTICIPATION.”  The others represent accomplishments and fulfilled dreams but this small award is my Legacy.  I haven’t always been in first place but I’M STILL IN THE RACE.  I may have stumbled, taken a wrong turn or stopped to get my second wind along the way, but I’M STILL IN THE RACE.  I can’t quite see the Finish Line yet, but I hear the cheers from a “great crowd of witnesses” and I’M STILL IN THE RACE.

The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into his “Trophy Case” in 2 Timothy 4:6-7 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

What a Legacy.  Paul had no way of knowing that over 2,000 years later his simple words in a letter to his beloved Timothy would live on to encourage and spur millions toward the finish line.  The trophy may read simply, “PARTICIPATION” but look closely and you will see a few battle scars from the fight and a few scrapes from stumbling along the route.  Your lungs may be screaming for air and your muscles may have expended all their energy but your faith stands strong and you are STILL IN THE RACE.  The trophy is just a memento but Paul reminds all who participate and finish of the real award in verse 8,  ^“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  

Don’t stop now, keep running!  We can all be 1^st Place winners and a Crown of Righteousness waits, if you STAY IN THE RACE!!!