The Exciting Race!

Recently I was at the Kansas Nebraska Southern Baptist Convention. I really enjoyed being there, and since it was my first time attending, I found myself learning quite a bit. Learning is a favorite past-time for me depending upon the subject, and this was stuff I was just soaking in. I wanted to leave with as much absorbed as possible. Soon though, it was time for prayer and the pastor's who would be our speakers.

The message I have seen, heard, and found over and over again is this:

Hebrews 12

God's Discipline Proves His Love
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.* Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.

Dude...I am a runner. I cannot possibly contain this passion and sense of urgency to teach what I teach. Why? Because it is Christ-centered. Life is so CRAZY, hectic, and everything in our society has become urgent and competes with what God has called each and every one of us to do.

Sometimes we think we will run our race tomorrow. Some of us are still stand at the starting line, afraid to actually run. Some of us are waiting for someone else to go first, so if it's a false start or someone doesn't like the track we are on, we can point a finger and blame them. There are so many reasons why running the race with urgency and endurance is put off. But the #1 reason for it is with this "too busy to breath" mentality, and the promotion by our society of business in lieu of effectiveness. Because of these we consistently fail to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ.

Life Management is about being Christ-centered, understanding our priorities and their importance to each and every individual person, and running the race based on that.

So, as I sat and listened to our speakers, I became excited. How can one not be over the top, excited, and wanting to live their purpose with such a passion when it IS urgent to run this race? How can one not want to jump out of their seat and keep enduring to win the race, when they are focused on Christ who is at the finish line? Who is the chic that looks like she has ADHD every time she hears, speaks, works, writes, creates, and yes-even listens to others who are just as passionate?

You guessed it. I'm the woman in the pew who looks at her friends and lifts herself up off the pew as if she's going to start running any second. I'm the woman who shakes her foot non-stop as she thinks of 9 billion blog topics, workbooks, and ways to help people change their lives as I listen. I talk under my breath, my eyes fill up with tears when I feel so much urgency and passion that I could literally explode. I'm this crazy person who knows deep down that she can't stop running even though there are millions of miles left ahead. And I don't even care to ask how many miles are left or where they are located. Will it be dangerous? Will it be scary? Will there be rest along the way? It just doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that I listen, go, and do what I have been called to do.

Not later.

But now.

So I thought for the comfort and safety of those around me, that a seat belt to hold me in my chair in church, in a conference, in a meeting, or when I'm working, just might be appropriate. You know, so not IF, but WHEN I jump up out of my chair, to run off and get yet another day of work done for the Lord, I don't trip over the people around me or scare them. But then again, why would I want to do that especially when I can show those around me that running this difficult and challenging race is the most awesome thing I could do in my life.

Forget the seat belts. Jump out of those seats. Put on the full armor of God and you an run the race, endure the race, and finish the race. And if you're looking for safety and security, I may not be the best person for people to sit next to. You'll have to endure my excitability!

This IS the EXCITING RACE!!!