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By Rev Don Rivers
We belong to God, we are His creation and He desires a relationship with us. The challenges we face in life are much easier with God by our side. All too often we find ourselves mourning the sudden loss of a friend, relative or racing companion. We often don’t get the time to anticipate when someone is headed home. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The suddenness and finality of life’s end is extremely challenging. Don’t wait, there are no guarantees in life and tomorrow isn’t anything we can count on. When it is our appointed time to leave this earth we will. We question if we will have time to make things right with God before we go? I’d encourage you to do that before you see the end of your days. Don’t think for a moment that a relationship with God is something that can take a back seat.
There are many in the racing community that influence our lives. I think of the old saying; “everyone makes me smile, some by coming, others by going.” There are those who make you smile the minute you see them. They always have that smile on their face. Now sometimes it was a mischievous smile, but most times it was inviting, welcoming and loving. They were truly glad to see you and welcomed you for a chat.
It is always difficult for us to grasp the sudden departure of someone we held close. The memories will always be there, but we desire to have more time together. Each life makes an impression on us. There are lives that leave a lasting impression, reminding us of two important lessons we can learn from God’s word.
1Corinthians 13:1-3; If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Matthew 6:25ff; “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
There are things in life that matter more than knowledge, clothes, food or even our own body; We need to learn unconditional love, the same love we receive from God, is the only thing that matters. When we learn to value what God values then we are on the right road. These are the things that reveal unconditional love; joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These reflect the character of God.
When we lose someone we look back and remember the times they demonstrated these things to us. The times they looked past our flaws and smiled. The times they were there for us when no one else was. The times they were patient with us as we figured things out. Those are the things that make us smile as we remember.
We can get so caught up in the ways of the world that we forget to focus on the relationships we have with others. When we consume ourselves with worry and anxiety about tomorrow we miss the moment, we miss the company of friends and family. We need to embrace where we are, who we are with and enjoy all that God has provided. To do anything else is to waste the life that God has given us.
As I look at the memories recorded and shared by so many of how they were touched by the lives of others it reminds me of the opportunity we all have to touch the lives of those around us. We lose that if we consume ourselves with fear of tomorrow. We lose that if we forget to love unconditionally.
A truly satisfying and fulfilling life is one that is full; full of memories of places, people, family and friends. Stories about the journeys of yesterday, the companionship of loved ones, fill the void left by the sudden departure. I urge you to look at this from another angle. Look and see how this can inspire us to live differently.
As we reflect on how our lives are connected we must also remember to be thankful. Thankful for having those special relationships in our life, the lessons we learned, and the fun we had. Clare Jones writes;
As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering
Did we thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, loyalty,
Good judgement, generosity,
Courage and integrity?
Did we thank you
For the simple things
Like love, laughter, smiles
And fun times we shared?
For being by our sides with
Your help, encouragement,
Knowledge and advice
For making a difference in all our lives?
If we have forgotten
We’re thanking you now
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.
We praise God for giving us people who remind us of how life should be. They are truly an inspiration and encouragement to us. We are blessed. They are now headed home, resting in the arms of our Lord. We are left with their memories, their influence and their love.
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 helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
