Do you sometimes wonder about the wisdom of our more mature citizens who take
up jogging? The running bug seems to have bitten many people over the past few
years. Once it was only the athletic types who ran, those who were intent on
getting medals and trophies and who wore club vests. Now, nearly everyone seems
to go out running.
Well, I don’t, I ve left it too late. Sometimes I have to make a dash to
answer the ‘phone, but nothing as spectacular as getting kitted out and racing
round the streets. Mind you, I’m not built for running. I enjoy a steady walk
and a swim once or twice a week. I’m no runner, but I’m no slouch either. What
has created and sustained this interest in running for the ordinary person is the
commendable urge for fitness and good health. The various gifts, marathons and
fun runs we have are good publicity for the sport. It’s good to watch it on
television. There are the serious runners, the professionals, who are looking
for the big prize money. And those after the prestige of winning a medal, or
being selected to represent their club, state or country. But it is the
also-ran’s I like to see -those who are running to raise money for charity.
Of course only the top runners can compete in the big marathon events. All
over the world there are fun runs that give everyone a chance to enter, including
those who do it for a laugh or a bet. Most runners are not aiming to come in
first – they know their limitations but they do aim to complete the course. You
can see by their faces what it means to cross the finish line even if they are
last and everyone has gone home by the time they have made it. Stickability is
what counts – completing the course they had set out on.
Stickability. If only there were more people that had it. So many people
start things, make promises, and then give up. Promises, promises, but no
results. Saint Paul, at the end of a long and difficult life, was able to write
to his young friend Timothy: “I have done my best in the race. I have run the
full distance, and I have kept the faith.” He wasn’t referring to the local fun
run but to his life of faith, keeping the promises he had made to God. He had
lived by faith and pressed on even when the going got tough, lonely and painful.
For most people, to retire means to enjoy a well-earned rest. To sit back
and take things easy. Yet too often retirement becomes the excuse for the tired
to rust rather than rest. Long cherished plans dissolve in the fading twilight
of declining years. Don’t let it happen. Rest by all means, but don’t rust.
There are still things to do. Stick at it.
Have a good week. Pastor Ron
Optional Bible readings: 1 Corinthians 9: 24 to 27; Hebrews 12:1 to 3.
Bro Andrew Craig who edits AUSTRALIA’S FAIR DINKUM MAGAZINE was recently hit
by a computer virus. He has lost all of his email reader list. If you were on his
list please email him at:
This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement, now in its
fourth year, originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania,
Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe
email <> with the words ‘subscribe word’ (or) ‘subscribe word
and study’ Enquire about our weekly e-mail newsletter for young people. Our
ministry is free and mailing lists are confidential.
Pastor Ron Clarke JP (Mark 16:15) An e-mail from the Derwent Valley, near
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Discussion
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