Everything thinks the last part of a marathon is the easy part. I am not talking about the last five miles; rather I am focused on the last one hundred yards! Visually it looks so simple. The crowds are cheering, the rush of the experience is flooding your body, and the destination is temptingly close.
In reality nothing is farther from the truth. The clich? that it is darkest just before the dawn floats on the tip of my tongue. I vividly remember the last few steps of a New York marathon. I could turn and reach the finish line with everything that it would bring (rest, water, food, hugs, medal, and a warm blanket) or I turn left and be in my car in a matter of seconds. Left, right; left, right; which direction would I choose? Until my soul pushed the body to the right and the finish I had no idea of what I was going to do!
It doesn’t stop there. Are we committed to finishing the battles we are in regardless of the cost? Will we take our rhetoric and actually hold ourselves accountable for our promises and commitments when the going get tough? Do projects sit incomplete, lacking closure given our true commitments and priorities?
These questions fit into every choice, action, and decision that you and I take! Nothing is immune from scrutiny – if we have the courage. It is also critical that we do not stop with the question – press on to the answers! What are we committed to finishing? Is there anything on the list? Are you or I really committed to the one thing?
God marks the finish line of life with these words. “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.” (Revelation 3.10)
What I have is a relationship with God; the one thing that I will never let go of; never give up on; and of never lose sight. Press and press on to the finish!
