On Your Mark…

So, there we were setting up our starting blocks on the cinder track, minutes before the big race was to begin. It’s important how those blocks are set. Runners want the best start possible, so they take time to set the blocks exactly right. Mine in place, I watched the guy in the next lane. Measure, move one of the blocks; measure again, move the other one. Then adjust the first one, which requires resetting the other one. Pretty soon the other runners were standing around watching this poor kid struggle for perfection. The official Starter cleared his throat and said: “Come on, son, get it done.” Finally, we heard: “Take your marks.” “No, wait just a second: one more adjustment.” The Starter’s pistol pointed toward the sky.

Poor guy lost the race before it ever started. He didn’t have a chance. His indecision, his lack of confidence in the name of getting it just right, sent him off the blocks dead last and that’s the way he finished the race. Sometimes you take what you have and make the most of it. Perfection eludes most of us, so we take what we have and do the best we can. You’ve heard of “throwing caution to the wind”? Irresponsible preparation will usually cost you the race, but so will fear of trying. You can make the application in just about any arena you choose…including faith and life. Moments come when you have to decide to live cautiously or courageously. Sometimes circumstances leave no ethical choice. Set the blocks, push off hard, and run like the wind. The Way of Christ isn’t about setting the starting blocks perfectly. It’s about running. If you win, you win. If you don’t, you tried. You can smile and be grateful either way.