1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (New International Version)
26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;
I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body
and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not
be disqualified for the prize.
Buckminster Fuller once said, "The minute you choose
to do what you really want to do it's a different kind of life." And it's
not about what you're getting PAID to do! If you want to live abundantly,
decide what you really want and figure out a way to do it. Be clear and live
with intent.
You may have heard of Fred Lebow. Fred complained to his
doctor that he lacked energy. His doctor advised him to take up running in
order to increase his stamina. He fell in love with it! He was 39 years old
when he entered his first race -- and did horribly. He beat only one other
contestant., a 72-year-old man. But he loved it!
Fred decided what he really wanted to do -- and he did it
in his spare time. He joined the New York Road Runners Club and organized New
York City's first marathon race. But what Fred truly wanted to do, even more
than run, was to bring people together. And that is what he did. He believe
that anybody should be able to run -- people of all ages, any background,
professional or amateur, and of any country. Today, more than 28,000 people of
all backgrounds and nationalities compete in the NYC Marathon.
Not everyone in New York was excited about people running
through their neighborhoods. Fred was approached by a youth gang that warned
him that nobody had better run through their turf. "That's great,"
Fred enthused. "I need someone to protect the runners in your area, and
you look like just the fellows to do it." He gave them each a hat, shirt
and jacket and that year, when the marathon went through their neighborhood,
these young men proudly guarded the runners along their way.
Fred decided what was truly important to him and he found
a way to do it. He lived with intent. That single decision made his life
remarkably different.
In 1990, Fred Lebow found he had a brain tumor. In 1992
he ran his final race. He crossed the finish line holding the hand of his
friend and Norwegian Olympic medalist, Grete Waitz. A bronze statue was created
of Fred in his running clothes, checking his watch. It is now placed at the
finish line of every race. Fred died in 1994. But as one sports writer said,
"Fate handed him a short race. With his gall, with his love of life, Fred
Lebow turned it into a marathon."
Fred would say that it's not about how long you live, but
how you run the race of life. Do you run it with intent?
Dear Lord we pray today that we would run with intent.
Help us do the very best we can with what You have given each of us. In Jesus’
name, Amen.
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