As I watch the Olympic events, I wish that I could boast of great athletic ability, but the truth is that I have none. I wish that I were different, but I just didn't have it in me. I probably spared many boys and girls from a poor self-image because I was always the last one picked to be on someone's team. Even when I was little, there was a reason that I wasn't chosen, besides my total lack of ability. I usually gave myself away when I wandered off to catch a butterfly or pick flowers, hoping that they all would forget about me. No one else wanted to be left standing, not picked, but I just didn't care, especially if I actually caught the butterfly.

I admire people who can run for twenty-six miles (42.195 kilometres) and force themselves across a line to the applause and adoration of spectators. I can't say that I wouldn't love the moment and that sense of accomplishment, but twenty-six grueling miles of burning lungs, aching legs, and throbbing muscles would be a deal-breaker for me. My daughter, Missy, ran a half marathon, and I was so proud of her and her determination.

There is, however, a race that even I can run and that I want to finish well!

Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)

I just read a book entitled Nearing Home, written by Billy Graham. I almost didn't buy the book because of the title, which suggests dying, as one might imagine. I read the book in two days and found that, indeed, he talked about death, but mostly he talked about finishing well and leaving a godly heritage. That has been my heart's desire now for quite some time, but I realize that living well and finishing well aren't easy. Sometimes, I need to do things that are hard in order to be a good witness to people around me. Today, the Lord reminded me that I have been disobeying what I know God wants me to do — something that I have been needing to change and haven't. So today, I stubbed my toe while running my race, but with God's help and forgiveness, I will continue on, trying to run the race marked out for me.

Whether we live to be 99 years old as Mr. Graham did, or go to heaven tomorrow, let our prayer be to serve God, to run the race laid out for us, and to finish well.

I want to live as long as the Lord would leave me here, but I have to say that at my age, "nearing home" does have a lovely sound to it! Pray with me:

Prayer: Father God, hold the hand of Your child. Give me courage to endure the race set before me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.