Life is a Journey
Life is a journey, not a race. To regard it as
anything different will only lead to disappointment. Paul said, "Run the race in
such a way as to win" to the Corinthians. Of course, he was talking to Greeks
and Hellenistic Jews of that day who were very familiar with the bi-yearly
Olympic games held in Corinth (not to be confused with the games every four
years in Athens). So, what was Paul suggesting? Did his admonition mean mankind
must struggle to be first in everything in life? That the olive branch crown
received as a first place winner of the games was an indicative metaphor of how
life should be pursued? Not hardly, in this writer's opinion. However, it was
meant to have a deeper meaning -- to strive to finish the race in such a way as
to have eternal worth.
I once heard David Wilkerson, author of "The Cross and the Switchblade" speak on
the subject of lust and greed. Most folks think of sexual perversion when they
think of lust. Wilkerson, however, had an interesting definition for lust -- "I
want IT and I want it now". The implication is that IT can be anything. A good
example of this is the Proverb writer stating that fire is one those things that
will never say "Enough!" There is always more and more to consume, as long as it
is fed. Wilkerson went on talking about lust saying, when is it ever satiated?
If success, for instance, is good then more success is better, and more is even
better than that and so on. You get the picture. There is no end and it will
never say "Enough".
I quit "racing" the running events I enter a couple of years ago. I believe that
God allows me to enjoy barefoot running and to enjoy the "journey". It's not
about winning anymore (although one could argue that since I am usually the only
barefoot runner, I always finish first and last in that respect) but more about
who and what I am during the journey. It is always fun for me to talk about
barefoot running along the way with others, or to encourage someone to keep
going. "Inch by Inch it's a Cinch!", I tell them. "Mile by Mile, it's a trial"!
I like to encourage them by saying "You can't let this 51 year old barefoot guy
pass you up! C'mon!" That usually gets them to smile or laugh and they many
times kick it in gear and pass me up. I just smile as I see them heading on
their way.
So, how does God teach you about your journey? For me, it is my running and more
pointedly my barefoot running. Are we so consumed about the finish that we have
not considered the journey for some time now? I am not implying that I have a
constant focus on the journey, myself. I fall incredibly short some days and
have to ask again for guidance on what's really important.
God has been so good to me. He has allowed me this little distraction in life,
namely barefoot running. The irony is that what may seem like foolishness in
some people's eyes is one of the Lord's main instructive tools in my life.
Today, I thank God for the journey I am on and only wish to cross the finish
line when he calls!
Having a blessed blast!
Barefoot Rick