Running the Race

Photo from Wikimedia

photo by Bill Brine

My husband and I watched the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. As I was watching, it occurred to me that an awful lot of time and money had been spent on getting these animals ready to race. It costs over $51,000  to enter the race. According to a 2014 survey, the yearly average maintenance on a racing horse is $40,4023 a year. The cost of purchasing a race horse is between the low six to low seven figures in dollars. That’s a lot of money to spend on a two minute race, where only one horse will be the winner. 

In many ways this cycle is sad, because the thrill of winning and the resulting fortune only lasts a while. The high from the win can quickly become a low, especially if you lose the next race. The flowers on the winner’s wreath fade. The prize money gets spent, and eventually the horses are put out to pasture, old and has been.

The same cycle is repeated with human athletes. They strive to become the best, and, if they are lucky, they may achieve that status for a while. But, like the winning race horse, the thrill of the win and their abilities eventually fade. And they are left with memories and bodies that can no longer do what they did in their youth.

The same fate befalls all of us humans. Time is not kind to us. The excitement from our successes fades over time. Our earthly bodies wear out, whether we are athletes or not. Heaven knows I can attest to that, as I’m sure many of you can, too.

I’m just glad that, unlike the athletes and the horses that run their races and then diminish, when my race on earth is done I will be claiming a prize that never fades.  God’s Word assures me, and you, of this when the Timothy says, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7

I don’t know about you, but I think an eternal prize that never fades beats a temporal and temporary one any day. It’s a reward that is worth everything we endure on this earth. And it only costs our love and devotion to a Father who loved us before we were even born. He paid our entry fee. He made all the sacrifices that would ensure we all can win. Running the race He set before us is something worth striving toward.

About the Author:

Multi-award-winning author Catherine Castle loves writing, reading, traveling, singing, theatre, and quilting. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her books The Nun and the Narc, A Groom for Mama, Bidding on the Bouquet  and Trying Out for Love boxed set on Amazon.