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The sights I see at the racetracks I travel to encourage me. We call ourselves a family; a group of people who endure the same set of challenges together. The time we spend at the track we spend with our second family. For some the racing family is our family. Racing Family Values, the value we place on being together at the track. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Balancing priorities is one of the greatest challenges we face when we try to pursue a racing career and raise a family. We have a passion for racing and we could easily consume all our time turning wrenches, traveling and racing. Many families have suffered because of the imbalance of priorities. It is always refreshing to see families who happen to be racers enjoy their time together at the track.
I have seen a daughter snuggle close to her father as they attended chapel service together. I have seen the look of joy on the face of a grandfather as he watched his son hold his grandson. I have watched a driver, his wife and their three girls walk hand in hand down an access road with smiles on their faces. I watched as crewmembers scrambled to find help for a fallen crewmember. I have seen the genuine look of appreciation on the face of that crewmember when he thanked us for being there. I have seen the joy on the face of a father who watched his daughter celebrate her first victory.
A week ago the racing family at Star Speedway gathered to say goodbye for now. The Webber’s made every effort to throw a goodbye celebration that wouldn’t soon be forgotten, much like the memory of the family member lost. As I spent the day with those who were hurting, I saw smiles, heard stories, and enjoyed the conversations with many about how Scottie Frazier touched their lives. It was a tremendous encouragement to me to share such a special day with “Scottie’s Family”.
Many met, for the first time, Scottie’s “other family”; you know the ones who brought us up and we live with when we are not at the track. The racing family welcomed them with open arms, tears and words of thanksgiving for allowing Scottie to be such a large part of their life. How wonderful a memory for a family to look around and see the front stretch lined with racecars and the stands filled with those who had a special relationship with Scottie.
We are a family at the track, but we also have responsibilities away from the track. How we manage those responsibilities will ultimately determine how successful we are in life. What are our priorities? How do we manage our relationships away from the track? Do we ever wonder if there is a way to keep it all in balance?
When we turn to God’s Word, we find wisdom as it relates to how we prioritize relationships in our life. First, we must recognize God as creator and sustainer of life. Without Him nothing is possible. Proverbs tells us to trust in the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
The key here is not only to trust the Lord, but also to acknowledge Him in all we do. That doesn’t mean just some of what we do, but all we do. We say we trust God, but then we try to handle things with our own strength and understanding. The promise contained here says that if we trust God, He will make our paths straight. In other words, He will direct us to the right solution, and direct us in the correct way to go. We have only to trust Him and acknowledge Him.
The next relationship that takes priority in our lives is our family. If we have submitted ourselves to marriage, as God defines, one man and one woman, this becomes your next priority in life.
Ephesians 5:21, 31-33; Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
In addition to our spouse, we also have the relationship between parents and children. Scripture helps us to know how we should address those. Both parents and children have a responsibility. It is not a one-way street.
Ephesians 6:1-4; Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
God is clear in His word that the family is the foundation of all our relationships. With our family priorities in order, we will be in God’s will. When our family is out of balance our life is out of balance.
If we are to achieve anything in our life, we need to have our priorities right. Our relationship with God must always be the top priority. God is creator and sustainer. Nothing exists without God allowing it to.
Fight the temptation to replace your relationship with God with your passion for racing. If you acknowledge God in all you do, He promises to make our path straight.
Also fight the temptation to sacrifice your relationship with your family for racing. God is not honored, your family is not honored and your life is out of balance.
By keeping our priorities right and honoring the things that God values our lives will be blessed, and in God’s will. Many of the difficulties we bring upon ourselves will be gone. When we have things in order good things will happen.
Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
