Keep sprinting

Keep sprinting

"The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.  For they are transplanted into the Lord's own house.  They flourish in the courts of our God.  Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green."  Psalm 92:12-14

The following story was posted in KXAN news on Monday:

WROCLAW, Poland (NBC/RTV) — A 104-year-old man in Poland celebrated his birthday by running a 100-meter sprint — setting a record in the process.

Stanislaw Kowalski has lived a healthy life, and it shows.

He has three daughters, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

When he was working, Kowalski walked or biked more than six miles to work every day. He’s retired now but still travels the same distance to visit his wife’s grave.

He finished his 100-meter sprint on Saturday in 32.79 seconds.

That wasn’t fast enough for a world record, but he established the European record by default because no one over 100 years old has an official result.

You might wonder if he has any advice: Kowalski says don’t eat too much in the evening.

Who wants to grow old?  Comedian George Burns, who lived past the age of 100, said "It's better than the alternative."  But is it?  As a faithful Christian, the alternative to living in this world is heaven. While I long for the day when God calls me home, I know there is much work to be done until then.  

Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."  As we age-and we all are every day we live-we can anguish over the changes in our bodies.  We can cry over the gray hair that seems to pop up overnight or complain about the new wrinkles that set in deeper by the day.   And, we can even let despair set in as our once young bodies start to fail us.  It won't change anything though.  In another article posted on Yahoo:  His grandson, Mark Baszak, said: "My grandfather always says "so as not to stress" - he is a very quiet man."  Not stressing.... I think he's on to something.  

The bible is clear that aging has its unpleasant side, 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."   But the bible is also clear that we are to make the most of our days while we are here, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."  Psalm 71:18.  

Until our last day, no matter how old or young at heart you are, you can make a difference.  You can be an inspiration.  Paul, the great apostle, left us the following promise, perhaps the most comforting of all promises to seniors and believers of all ages: "I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ comes back again."  Philippians 1:6

Heavenly Father, help us to find ways to serve you and glorify Your name no matter what our age or health status may be.  We pray that we can be a blessing to someone wherever we are in life. Help us to be bold and search for opportunities to "proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!