A Challenge

In getting ready for a Sunday School lesson this week, I spent a lot of time in Hebrews chapter 12. I love this passage (probably because it has such wonderful parallels to racing). The BuggBoyZ translation of the first few verses goes something like this: “All the fans are in the stands watching, and they want YOU to win! Get your car (and yourself) down to race-weight so you won’t be at a disadvantage. (Sell the DSR and get a Honda, if that’s what it takes!) Remember this basic fact that you were taught at your very first driving school: ‘keep your eyes up and looking ahead because you’re going to go where your eyes are pointed – into the wall or down the straight, it’s up to you.” The author of Hebrews reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, focus on the goal, and keep pushing ourselves to the end. I’ve too many times – in life and in a race – pushed hard until deciding to ease up and “save the car” thereby settling for less than my best. SHAME on ME! If it’s worth starting, it’s worth finishing and giving it our best effort. How many times have we told our kids “All I want from you is your best. That will always be good enough.”? I’ve been challenged this week. Am I giving my best effort to my day at work? What about with my kids? What about my marriage? It might be time to re-think and re-set some priorities.