This morning I am missing a race across a 21 kilometer bridge. It would have been an interesting run, more for the fact that I have never been across that bridge, especially as someone relying on his legs for transportation. I can sense the butterflies moving in my stomach just before the starter’s gun, more in wondering if there is something that will prevent me from finishing than anything else. I know that each runner will, at some point in the run, need to draw from a memory of previous long runs. The stronger the memory the easier the run!
Any distance event in running has this component. Each of my marathons (there hasn’t been that many!) had a moment where I faced the crux of a decision. Do I stop or continue, am I in this or out, will I put my foot forward or change directions? In each moment of decision there were two factors that determined the outcome of my decision. First, could I remember a moment of beauty, joy, and success where this question had previously been on the table? If I had not been able to remember it immediately, then for me the answer to the question would have been simple; give up. Second; what did I really want in my heart of hearts? Did I want to honor my priorities and values or respond to the pressure of the immediate? Were my self interests of the moment more important than my vision and mission? I had a choice.
I wonder how many decisions were face today are predetermined by the lack of “memory”. As bad as things might seem for some there was something to help them. In times of old Israel faced a decision. In their situation “food is just a memory at our tables, as are joy and singing from God's Sanctuary.” (Joel 1.16)
Creating memories, living experiences are opportunities for you and me today. My advice is to seize the moment! The time and opportunities are now. Tomorrow will be far too late. Today is for living!
