It was a simple text to see how my friend was doing. But his wife was the one who sent the reply …
As recently as last Thursday, he had been realistic about the new cancer treatment he was facing, but optimistic (as always) about the outcome. He finished that text: “I think it will go well. Happy to hear from the docs that they have more tricks up their sleeves. It’s all in God’s hands.”
I didn’t know that message was the last time I would hear from him.
Starting the Race
Life is a race. Many of us—most of us—don’t necessarily get off to the fastest start. Sometimes, we may stumble in the early going, slow down in the middle, or even lose our way.
My race was like that. I kept moving forward, but not at the speed I should have. Alcohol slowed my pace for 30 years, keeping me from running the race marked out for me. But, for some of us, perhaps that’s how it’s meant to be. Because what matters is how you finish.
This Thursday, we celebrated the life of someone who finished well.
…joyful boyhood with his brother …compassionate …humble …adored his wife … loved being with his daughter …a career helping others …an amazing ability to make friends …always treated people with dignity and respect … “I’m starting a new treatment plan” …
In the long run, it doesn’t matter how you start the race. And you may have things going on in your life now that are slowing you down. I understand, because I’ve been there. As has my wife. And my son. And most of the people I know, one way or the other.
It really is okay if you haven’t run your best race yet. Because what matters is how you finish.
…purposeful …courageous …a life transformed …“I’m back on chemo but feeling optimistic” …devoted himself to causes dear to his heart …worked with Sozo Children …always thinking of others …“therapy has me dragging but looking forward to Christmas” …
Continuing to Run
Our race isn’t a heads down sprint in search of personal glory. It’s a marathon, run in the company of others. All who have struggles, and many who could use a helping hand along the way.
You may stumble, because we all do. But you can get back up, and start running again. And it’s that ongoing, collective struggle to move forward that unites us in pursuit of a common prize.
…Church of the Highlands …Birmingham Dream Center …“my white blood cell count is low, but I feel blessed, how are you?” …Highlands College …a powerful instrument for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ …“it has spread to the brain, but maybe next week we can get together” …
But, unlike most races, we don’t know when this one will end. It could be decades from now, or it might be tomorrow. That’s not up to us. Our job is to run the race.
And what matters is how you finish.
There will be days when we feel tired, or tempted, or discouraged, or hopeless. That’s part of the race, and dealing with those emotions enhances our faith and makes us stronger.
…spent the last years of his life serving …never stopped running …“I think it will go well. Happy to hear from the docs that they have more tricks up their sleeves. It’s all in God’s hands.” …well done, good and faithful servant …come and share your master’s happiness …
It’s How You Finish
Whatever the early part of your race has been like, you can finish well. Because finishing well isn’t defined by outcomes or accomplishments that are outside your control.
It comes from taking the right steps, one day at a time. Surrendering your will to God and allowing yourself to be transformed. Feeling empathy, love, and forgiveness for those around you. Making daily progress through prayer and meditation. And serving the people you are called to serve.
And when the finish line is in sight, and you hear the crowd cheering, you will find the strength to go on. Because it’s not your strength that will propel you forward.
It doesn’t matter how you start. It’s how you finish.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Question: If your race continues the way it is going now, will you be satisfied with how you finish?
Action: Envision the end of your race and think of the steps you would like to start taking today.
