AtomReady for the Race
“Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
“Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
It has taken a bit more coffee than usual to bring me fully awake this last week. As I mentioned in worship, I have been suffering a bit from “Olympic Sleep Deprivation”...
It has taken a bit more coffee than usual to bring me fully awake this last week. As I mentioned in worship, I have been suffering a bit from “Olympic Sleep Deprivation” – a peculiar malady that occurs every four years and strikes those of us who tune in the late night Olympic coverage when we should be winding down towards sleep. Of late I have been drawn in by gymnastics and swimming and volleyball and track and field. It has been fun and fascinating and I have marveled again and again at the excellence of these athletes from all nations – at their dedication and preparation for this “one shining moment” of their lives. When I hear of athletes training 6-8 hours a day, seven days a week, year after year, I marvel. Little wonder that they are much better at running and swimming and gymnastics than I will ever be. They have prepared themselves to do their best at this crucial moment in time. They are prepared and ready for the challenge laid before them.
I thought of this “preparation” as we said farewell to one of our brothers in the faith again this week. As Pastor Dave and I visited in and out of the hospital with Pete and with Millie and with friends and family, we heard this refrain from time to time: “Pete was ready.” Not that he wanted to leave his family behind, but his body was worn and he was ready…ready to move to the next life, ready to meet his Lord and Savior. And I thought about how he had been preparing himself, readying himself for this “one shining moment.” In Pete’s case the readying wasn’t about running miles or swimming laps or consuming thousands of calories a day to maintain energy. It was about worship and prayer and devotion and day by day trusting his life and his future into the hands and keeping of his Maker and Redeemer. It is what we are about when we worship and pray and serve. We are in training, preparing ourselves, gaining strength and courage from God’s Word and God’s Spirit so that when our “event” comes – whether it is the exchange of this life for the next for ourselves or for one whom we love – we are ready…prepared…eyes fixed in faith upon the One who has said to us, “I am the Resurrection and the Life and the one who believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live!”
Of course our “shining moment” is not always about our last breath and about death and resurrection. Some of our shining moments happen in the daily race (usually a marathon) – or in the daily walk on the balance beam of responsibility and priority – or in the daily teaming in service for the sake of a common goal – or in the daily striving with doubt or with fear or a persistent temptation to sin. We prepare and train for that which is coming at us every day.
I also thought about “Olympic preparation” this week as we prepared to send Kelsey off to college – to a new adventure in a new place – hoping that she is also ready and prepared for what new joys and challenges lie ahead. As parents – like you – we can only hope that the time spent bringing her to “training events,” like worship and Sunday School and Youth Group will have prepared her for her “shining moments” to come – when faith is tested and celebrated. Watching the Olympics this week has made me again aware of how important training and preparation is if we are to be ready for the race of life!
Training with you,
Pastor Wade
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