Fire found out about a LARA's 3rd Annual Triathlon about two weeks ago and has been training hard, extremely hard. His desire is not necessarily to win the race, but to finish the race...to finish well. WOW!!! He definitely mirrors his Dad with his athletic genetic traits.
We mapped out a bike course for him to ride spanning ~14 miles. He runs ~3 miles on our back roads and swims in my cousin's pool, doing 15 laps a shot.
When I think about Fire's desire, I am reminded about a race run by all those who call themselves Christian. Paul exhorts us to run this race in way that we win the prize and our training consists of temperance and restriction.
Another way of explaining the type of training we undergo is being mindful of what the Holy Spirit says regarding the things of this world and obey Him. Daily, we must crucify our flesh. It is by this act that we become athletes who finish well and obtain the prize...a crown of eternal blessedness.
1 Corinthians 9:24 & 25 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither."
Jesus, open my ears that I may hear you clearly. I want to run this life's race finishing well and obtaining the crown You give. I want to be able to throw that crown at your feet as an act of worship in Heaven. In Jesus' name. AMEN!!!
2 comments:
That verse has always spoken to my heart. Since we are a sports family, I could always relate so much to the verse.
Good for Fire for doing a triathlon, what a feat! :)
BTW, I will be in your area tomorrow and Sunday for a baseball tournament. We are playing at Dauphin Middle Paxton Community Park (Kennedy Field) Claster Blvd & Mountain View Ln- Is that anywhere near you? We have our first game at 8am.....ugh! :)
Actually, we will be passing through Dauphin Saturday on our way to a graduation party. If we are not running short on time, maybe when can stop by for a few minutes to say, "Hi."
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