To Finish Well

Pinewood Derby Days

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Hebrews 12:1

Last Saturday was the Pinewood Derby for our Cub Scout Pack. Benjamin and Josiah had a great time creating their cars (and thanks to Matt for helping cut out their detailed shapes!)Unfortunately, Benjamin was sick so he didn't get to see his car race but we enjoyed watching the cars compete against the others from the pack.

As I sat there I thought of how each car began the same...all the boys had an "Official Pinewood Derby" kit with a block of wood, 4 wheels and 4 axles. On race day it was amazing to see how many different designs could be made with the same materials. The cars were all designed for the same purpose...to be in the race and to hopefully win the race.

As believers we are very much like a Pinewood Derby car. We are all made to be in a race...not a race down a pinewood derby track, but the race that God has set before us. We are "shaped differently" with our gifts and personalities but our shape and gifting comes with a purpose...to be in the race and to race with our eye on the goal. We may not be the "first one down the track" but the important thing is for us to be in the race and to finish the race.

Our goal is to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us". In this season of my life with several children at home my goal is raising them and pointing them toward Christ. My desire is for them to grow up loving God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. I also want them to see that God has uniquely designed them. God may call Courtney to be a writer, Isaiah to be a missionary, Benjamin to be a pastor, Josiah to be a football player, Caleb to be a lawyer, Whitney to be a nurse, and MaryElise to be a youth worker. Who knows? The important thing is for them to follow God with their whole heart and serve Him with the way He has gifted each one of them.

As they grow and leave home, the focus of my race will change but the goal will always be the same...to finish the race and to finish well.