Praise for Today – A Medal for All Who Finish
I ran my first 10K yesterday. I’ve always been intimidated by a 10K run, assuming I would always stick to 5Ks. But I eased into the idea by accepting that I could do run/walk intervals.The course started and ended on the Plaza in Kansas City and was relatively flat.
Getting started, I set a goal to run, or slow jog really, at least the first 3 miles. Somehow, I missed the 3-mile marker. Once I realized I had passed the 3 mile spot, I decided to see if I could make it to 4 miles before walking. Running along, I took notice of my breathing. Yes, heart and lungs can keep going. How about my legs? Yes, they can keep going. I knew there was a water stop at mile 4, so I kept watching for it. Around a corner, and finally, I could see the water station. I had made it to 4 miles! Running the 4th mile was the hardest part. For miles 5 and 6, I did run/walk intervals and felt pretty good.
The 6th mile seemed long because a 10K has that extra .2 miles at the end. But eventually, I made it. The announcer called my name as I crossed the finish line.From there, I headed to a spot, while catching up with my breathing, where a volunteer was removing the chip timers from participants’ shoes. The next line of volunteers were handing out giant Plaza 10K medals to all who finished. Yes, a finisher’s medal. Did I come in first place to get a medal? No, in fact, I got a text telling me my time was 1:11:54.5 and my place was 2078 out of 2813. I am nowhere near 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. It doesn’t matter. I get a medal anyway, and I like it.
Getting this medal reminds of times I’ve heard competitive parents and other people, even myself, disparage the way little league sports are set up now with everyone who participates getting a ribbon or a trophy or medal. Sometimes people poke fun at this, with the key point being: What are we thinking? Making all kids think they are winners when they really aren’t! But today I appreciated getting my medal. Because it wasn’t about me making first place or coming in ahead of anyone. It was about me finishing. Now I’m thinking it’s okay that all the kids who play soccer get a ribbon.
This reminds me of another time when everyone who finishes will get the prize. In this life, everyone who stays on the course following Jesus to the finish will receive not just a medal but a crown. All who finish get it. I found verses from the Bible where Paul, Peter, James, and John each talk about the crown:
- “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV
- “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4, NIV
- “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12, NIV
- “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” Revelation 3:11, NIV
The crown itself, although glorious, is not the ultimate prize. I persevere for eternal life with Jesus. The crown symbolizes this reward for the goal we achieve by sticking with Jesus. We don’t get the glory. Jesus gets the glory. He is the one who overcame and won this race for us. But, like my medal symbolizes my goal, the crown symbolizes the goal I met of never giving up on Jesus.
I’m so happy we don’t have to compete with each other to win this race. If we cross the finish line with Jesus, we win with Him.
The next time the little league soccer league gives out a trophy to all who participate, not just the winners, I’ll remember my race with Jesus through this life and remember how he will reward me if I finish, no matter who is in front of me, who is behind me, how far behind I am to everyone else, as long as I finish.
This race with Jesus is a race I want to finish. It’s going to be great to get the crown that represents eternal life with Jesus in a new world where our illnesses as well as broken hearts are healed, and all the things wrong in this world are made right.
Recipe for Today – Tahini Lemon Salad Dressing
Tahini Lemon Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini*
- ¼ cup water
- Juice of 1 lemon squeezed, about ¼ cup
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- ½ tsp salt
* Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. My favorite place to get tahini is at Sprouts Farmers Market. They grind the sesame seeds and sell it in containers next to the freshly ground peanut butter and almond butter. After opening the container, keep it in the refrigerator.
This makes two 3-ounce servings.
Steps
- Combine all ingredients in a small food processor and blend
Bonus: To invent your own healthy salad dressing, follow these guidelines:
- 1 part extra virgin olive oil
- 3 parts citrus juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Add herbs and spices as desired (such as basil, mint, oregano, chives, thyme)
- Optional: Add a little Dijon mustard if you like (maybe a teaspoon or even ½ teaspoon, this keeps the oil and lemon juice from separating)
Here is an easy no-recipe salad dressing: Toss salad lightly with extra virgin olive oil, squeeze lemon juice all over the salad, sprinkle on salt and pepper
Get in the Ark 