Run

On the eve of the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9 have given me a reality check. He writes:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (NIV)

The last few days have left me feeling that I am like a man running aimlessly as if I have no idea what my goal is. I am mostly being carried along by the whims of my strongest desires. If I feel like it or absolutely have to then I do it. Otherwise I am content to be lazy. Paul is teaching here that it is only through strict training and self-discipline that the race can be accomplished and the prize won. I understand what my goals are as a wife, mother and child of God, but I have not been following a training regimen that will actually help me achieve those goals. How can I expect to stay on the course if I consistently allow myself the freedom to sit back and coast wherever I please?

A few months ago, in a quiet reflective moment, it occurred to me that despite what it appears, I am a very undisciplined person in several major areas. It was disconcerting to acknowledge that but it did not spur me on to seek change. However, seeing I cannot go on in this aimless meandering way and still expect to reach my goals, I am now looking for opportunities to train myself. This site and my kitchen are two places I frequent daily. One of the first changes is to put up reminders of my goals where I can consistently see them; visual course-markers that will enable me to remember to stay on the track.

Yes, I am tired and missing solid, restful sleep, but how long can I continue to excuse myself when I have no guarantee that my race will continue tomorrow? My goals for my children as dictated by the word of God are but for a season. They will soon be grown-up and my role as their mother will be changed. I do not have much more time. I must run this portion of the race now with no further excuses.

The torch has been lit and the race is already on; I need to run as the prizewinner.