Giving Her All

I've been working on various chores around the house today. In the background, Gerry has had the television on whatever channel is broadcasting the Kentucky Derby. It is the day of the Kentucky Derby race. I heard a commentator refer to the one "filly" among all the boys, who had a chance to win the race.

That, of course, brought to mind a race not so long ago, when that exact thing happened. I don't remember exactly when it was, or which race, but I remember some of the circumstances. It was a race where another horse was expected to win and take the Triple Crown. But instead, the one filly in the race came from behind to take the lead and win the race! She then promptly fell on the track and died. Maybe she broke both legs and had to be put down. I don't remember that part, but I do know that it was so so sad. Who could have imagined such a sad horse race!

I really identify with that filly. Not so much because she was the one female who beat out the males, but because of her commitment to the race. She gave her whole heart.

I like to think that is how I "run my race". Whether it is to my marriage, or making a family dinner, going after a ball on the court, or preaching a sermon, I feel like I give my all.

The Apostle Paul felt the same way about his ministry. In his last days, he writes these words to his young friend Timothy: I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.

I guess that's all any of us can do. Notice that Paul did not say that he had won the race, but that he finished it.

And he knew that he would get his crown....not the Triple Crown for winning, but the crown of righteousness for finishing the race and keeping the faith, a crown awarded by the Lord for giving one's whole heart.