We Run The Race Too Can you bear reading one more analysis of the 2010 Winter Olympics? As much as we enjoy events like this, we must confess that we often have information overload during these events, both good and bad and sometimes ugly. And we had our share of that this year as well. I’m not here to rehash individual stories, as good and inspiring and awe striking as they might be, because I assume you’ve already heard them all, repeatedly. No, rather, I’m just going to summarize my sentiment about the winning and losing aspect of the Games. I’m sure you have seen or at least heard or read about them: how a player won or lost as a result of foul play or a questionable call by a referee, and subsequently, a player or a whole nation responded in a rather dramatic fashion. I think, however, that this violates the Olympic spirit. I don’t dare to suggest that I can understand or show empathy for players who felt their medals were taken away as a result of imperfect aspects of a game. In all fairness, I think they have every right to get angry. But this does not justify them demonstrating their grievances or unhappiness beyond the proper boundaries of sportsmanship and Olympic etiquette. I’m sure it is gut-wrenching to see your career or years of training go down the drain right in front of your eyes. But that’s what competition is all about. It is harsh by nature and sometimes even devastating. The reality of losing is all too often severe. However, that is what events like Olympics are all about! But I am glad in a way that I don’t compete in events like the Olympics. I can’t imagine putting my entire life’s goal on the line at one event. It sounds way too scary for me! That would be nerve-wracking! But, instead, I’m glad that I am being judged every day. Or every hour! I live one day at a time. And at the end of my life, the accumulation of each day will result in God’s judgment. So, every day counts. Therefore, I resolve to live every day of my life to the best of my ability and to the fullest. Some days I win, but other days I lose, but win or lose, I receive a fresh start each and every day. Also, I’m so glad that I’m not competing with or against others like the Olympic Games. I’m only competing with myself. And I can’t cry foul or contest a call because my referee is perfect. He never makes wrong calls. Therefore, all I need to concentrate on is how I’m going to run the race. God has placed a goal before me and He has called me to run the race. Therefore, I will keep my focus on the goal and run as hard as I can. And sometimes I may not live up to my own expectations, but I don’t need to worry about my numbers, because I can start afresh every day. I’m not running on the merits of yesterday. And I’m not keeping all the previous records. No, instead, I’m starting anew every day. And it is what I do at the end of my life that matters. I spoke at New Vision Church in San Jose, California last week. It was formerly known as First Baptist Church and founded 30 years ago by a very capable pastor and it became a very successful ...