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By Rev Don Rivers
As I reflect on Father’s Day I think back, My dad is not with us anymore, but his influence will never leave me. He influenced so much of the way I see things. The impression he made on my life won’t soon fade. What does it mean to have someone care about us so much that they leave a lasting impression? I wondered how many of us have a passion for something because our father put it there? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I remembered the first time I went to a racetrack, it was in the late 60’s and my dad brought me to Stafford Motor Speedway. I was your typical seven- or eight-year-old, I didn’t sit still, wanted everything the concession stand had to offer and watching the racing was secondary. I do however remember wanting to go back.
The race that cemented my interest in the sport happened one summer night a few years later at Catamount Speedway in Vermont. Bobby Dragon and Jean-Paul Cabana dueled for the entire feature. As they came out of turn four one car erupted in flames. They rolled to a stop just past the start/finish line. One driver was trying to escape the flames and the other driver was halfway out of his car with a fire extinguisher in his hand to help. These two had just fought tooth and nail for the win, but were willing to help one another. What a show of respect for your fellow competitor.
The part that really hooked me though was when the racing was finished we went through the gate at the start/finish line and walked into the pits. I had a chance to see the drivers and their cars up close and personal. I was in awe! These guys were larger than life and that night left an impression that has fueled my feeling about racing to this day.
I have my father to thank for that. My dad didn’t live too long, he passed away when I was fifteen, but during the time we had together he taught me a tremendous amount about life and how to live it. I think every parent only wants that opportunity, the opportunity to pass on their passion to their children. To teach them what and how this life should be lived.
Think about the relationship that cemented your desire to go to the track. Think about the relationship that put the passion in your heart for racing. The passing on of our passions and lessons learned is the way God ordained the generations. We have a responsibility to teach our children. When we leave them they should be able to rely on the things they learned at their father’s knee.
John 14:24b-26; NLT; … remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Jesus was no different, he taught his disciples the things they needed to know. Things they would continue to do after he was gone by means of the Holy Spirit. As he talked with His disciples, His children, about His upcoming death He provided them words of assurance and direction.
John 14:1-6; “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus is preparing a place for us in His Father’s house, Heaven. He will come and claim what belongs to Him and we will be there with Him. We do not have to live separated from our heavenly Father, because Jesus’ sacrifice covered our sin. We know the way; Jesus Christ. Let Jesus instill a passion in your heart for living in a way that would please your heavenly Father. Jesus is that way, that truth, that life.
We are not always allowed the benefit of our earthly father’s presence. For some it is a short time. We must learn from that and not waste the time we are given to us to teach our children what they need to know.
On the other hand, our Heavenly Father is by our side every step of the way, He is there to seek guidance and wisdom from. He provides comfort and peace in our times of struggle. Spend some time this weekend at dad’s place. He has room for you already prepared. He will meet you there and rejoice at your coming home.
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.
