The happiest loss

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:7 NASB

At the start of 2019, Michael Mackiewicz, a senior at Livonia Franklin High School in Minnesota, was one of the best runners on his track team, poised to run at the collegiate level. But that all changed when he was diagnosed with Lupus, a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Upon learning that Mackiewicz would not be able to compete the season, the coaching staff and his team devised a way to honor him. The 800m was his best race, but that was out of the question now. Instead, [they] came up with the idea to have Mackiewicz run the final leg of the 4×4 400, relay with three other seniors. And although the relay team lost the race, they said it was the happiest loss anyone involved had ever experienced. 

And you know, when it comes to being happy about losing, Paul clearly understood the irony saying, "whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ." You see, Paul knew that anything he had ever won or accomplished was worthless in comparison to the greatness of knowing, following and serving Jesus  - and that true and lasting happiness was gained not in anything we could ever do or obtain but by our relationship with the Savior. 

So I wonder today, what makes you truly happy my friend? The things of this world? Or simply knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that nothing gained apart from a relationship with You will ever last or bring us true happiness. Help us to seek You above all else Lord and to be willing to sacrifice any win or gain to show our brother or sister the love of Jesus knowing it's the happiest loss we will ever experience. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All I once held dear