The Life Run Analogy and the Obsession With Staying Young

Hebrews 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

I love the life and racing analogies. I can really wrap my head around it because I love to run. 

Some races are longer than others. Also some lives are longer than others. Personally, I have had some amazing and enjoyable runs. I have also had some terrible runs. My mindset has made a huge difference to determine whether my run is of the good or bad variety. I believe our mindset can do the same thing in determining whether our days are of the good or bad variety.

But whether long or short, all races come to an end and at the finish line. If you stand at the finish line, you may notice that many runners will sprint it out or at least perk up as they catch sight of the finish line. They look forward to passing that finish line because they know the race will be over. All their hard work will cease and they will receive the glory of finishing the race - no matter if it was a particularly good run or not. 

I have noticed a prevailing thought process that has bothered me. A fear of getting old. An obsession with being/looking/staying young. Now, I understand trying to take care of yourself and looking your best. I think that can be a good thing. But, when getting older becomes a fear or an obsession it can be a problem.

When I put it in the race analogy, it doesn't make sense. Who would run half a race only wishing to go back to the beginning? Or, who would dread the finish line? 

Well in the same way we have to trust that we have a finish line as well and that there will be glory there. 

Revelations 21:4 NLT says "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."

Psalm 16:11 KJV says "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasure for evermore."

Doesn't that sound awesome? Shouldn't we be looking forward to his presence and this fullness of joy? Are we losing sight of the finish line.

Recently, I was listening to an audiobook by Joyce Meyer called Seize the Day. In it, she mentioned a woman named Florence Chadwick. Chadwick was a long-distance, open-water swimmer. She set out to be the first woman to swim the 21 miles across the Catalina Channel. July 14, 1952, was a terribly foggy day, and the waters were ice-cold and shark-infested. For over 15 hours Chadwick swam until, lamentably, she gave up because the fog made her unable to see the coastline. Without being able to keep her eye on the finish line she lost hope. Later she found out she had only been one mile away from the coastline when she quit.

Thankfully, that was not the end of the story. Two months later she was able to complete the swim in 13 hours and 47 minutes. Accomplishing her goal and breaking the former record by over two hours.

After her failed attempt, Chadwick is quoted as saying "All I could see was the fog . . . I think if I could have seen the shore I would have made it."

So, now I question, what is the fog that is keeping you from seeing your finish line? What is keeping you from your focus? Remember, Hebrews 11:6 says that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

As far as looks, I can guarantee to you, if you look at me at the beginning of a race I look fresh and together. But by the end of the race, My hair is frizzy and I am sweaty and red. The longer the race the worse it is. There is no shame in it. It is a part of running my hardest. 

Maybe we should see this life race the same way. Yes, take care of yourself. But realize, the harder and longer you race, it will show. And there is no shame in that!