This morning, as I was going through my normal routine of post run coffee, bagel and runnersworld.com, I was struck by the headline "Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Sammy Winjiru Dead at 24". Not exactly what you want to read first thing in the morning. My first thought was "heart condition", however, I was wrong. As I read the story, I couldnt tell if his death was accidental, suicide or homicide. I just knew one thing, that this amazing athlete and champion had gone to meet his maker.
It is just another proof that nothing on this world lasts and that fame and fortune do not garauntee us a great life, a long life or any treasures beyond this world. Being a world-class athlete does not mean that you have it all "together", and definetly wont make you a better person. The amount of time that we put into training ourselves for the physical and emotional rigors of selected sports, occupations and hobbies should be matched by the amount of time we put in to our spiritual lives as well. It reminds of the writer to the Hebrews, who stated that "...I will run with endurance the race God has set before me."
We each need to spend as much time as we can with God, preparing for our Eternal Marathon's, or Triathlons, or Century rides. We need to know that Jesus' sacrifice for us was real, and that we all will meet him one day, and through Him we are promised eternal life. Jesus overcame the world, so that we would not have to. That through belief in Him and his work on the Cross, God has opened the Gates of Heaven "which never close."
I dont know if Sammy Wanjiru was a Christian or not, I only hope that he was prepared to meet The Father. May you, while you are out on your run or ride, or crosstraining this morning, spend some time with God. Glorify Him through your efforts and push yourself spiritualy as well as physically. And my you "run with endurance" this morning and every morning. Amen
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