Go Full Speed

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV

In an obituary published by the StarTribune Tuesday, it was reported that Mary Lou Carlson, an inspiring late-in-life runner, died at the age of 95. Her eulogy went on to describe what inspired Mary Lou to lace up at an age where most people are slowing down. After years of walking around Lake Harriet, Mary Lou Carlson picked up running in her 50s and set a goal for herself — run around the entire lake, near her Minneapolis home.” She started jogging a few blocks. Soon, the mother of two had conquered the 3-mile run and decided to complete a marathon. Then another, and another. Over a two-decade running career, Carlson ticked off more than 300 races and 35 marathons, including the first 20 Twin Cities Marathons — and along the way inspired others to embrace an active lifestyle, no matter what their age. “She was full speed whatever she did," said her son David Carmein, of Mound. Do you just love that story or what?  

And you know, when it comes to being “full speed” or fruitful for a lifetime, we would all do well to consider that life is very very short, even if we live to the ripe old age of 95. In light of that then, like Moses, we should ask the Lord to “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” because it’s this heart of wisdom that leads us to view each day as an undeserved gift and God-given opportunity to make a difference in this world. It compels us to live life to the fullest, working diligently with all our might as if each day was our last—fervently striving to know God more and to make His great Name known while joyfully serving Him by serving others. 

So ask the Lord to reveal how truly fleeting life is my friend so that you would not waste even one moment of it. We only get one shot at this. Let’s make it good!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can and should be productive at every age. Lord teach us to understand the shortness and frailty of life so that we wouldn’t waste even one moment of it. Help us to live each day for You knowing that only what we do for You will last. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!