The bucket list

"And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:16 NLT

On January 5, after enlisting the help of some expert runners and frequent travelers to round up ten of the most exotic and exciting 26.2 mile races in the world, Runner's World published the article "10 Bucket List Marathons You Should Run in 2018." And while it might not surprise you to see the Great Wall Marathon, Rome Marathon and Sydney Marathon listed, the Mad Marathon in Waitsfield, Vermont and the Missoula Marathon in Montana might have raised an eyebrow. But I guess a bucket list, or a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying, is as unique as each individual.

And while our personal lists of things we want to accomplish before leaving this world may be very different from one another, there is one thing that should be at the top of all our lists... "please God." You see, delighting the Father should be our number one priority throughout our lifetime. And the Bible clearly tells us that we do that when we "do good" and "share with those in need" for those "are the sacrifices" that bring Him pleasure. And while running a destination race is certainly rewarding, living a life of service to God and to others is the most fulfilling and worthwhile thing we could ever do. 

So today and everyday, may we follow the advice of John Wesley who said, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." Because doing that my friend, is truly the only thing worthy of first place on any bucket list. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the greatest example there could ever be of how to do good to others. Help us to draw closer to you Lord that we might display that goodness more and more each day and lead others to the Cross by doing so. Most of all, help us to love others the way you first loved us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

With every act of love - Jason Gray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4bB7BUxBbY&index=88&list=PLAEq5ujOZ71r8vZWCviVVOq-gAJu5zTbB

https://www.runnersworld.com/bucket-list-races/bucket-list-races-for-2018/slide/6