One of my hobbies is training and competing in triathlons. Recently I signed up to do a full Ironman (my first) which means I will be taking the better part of a day to swim, bike and run a total distance of 140.6 miles. This is the equivalent of traveling from my hometown of Covington, Ohio, which is located in the west-central part of Ohio, to Cincinnati, which is located on the Ohio River, and back.
I don’t compete in triathlons in order to beat anybody. I compete in order to give me a good reason to keep my body in shape and maintain my mental focus.
I’ve completed several 1/2 Ironman triathlons (70.3 miles) over the years. The first couple were extremely miserable experiences because I had not properly prepared myself for the fourth leg of the triathlon which involves nutritional intake.
There is no way you can survive a long distance triathlon without taking in adequate nutrition.
The last couple 1/2 Ironman races have been somewhat enjoyable for me because I’ve figured out my nutritional needs. While other competitors are dropping out of the race or having to walk or drag themselves to the finish line, I just keep rolling along knowing I have enough energy to get me to the finish line and beyond.
I saw the opening quote during a recent morning devotion and I felt compelled to share it with you as a frank reminder about life on earth.
There are those who live their lives in fear of death and those who live their lives knowing Jesus conquered death which means life is eternal and fearing death is nothing but a waste of time.
I live my life knowing I’m full of the right nutrition (Jesus) to not just get me to the finish line–but beyond.
I live in anticipation of life, not in fear of death…which makes a huge difference in everything I do.
Thank-you Jesus.
Do you live as if there is life after our finish line on earth?
If not, what is getting in your way?
Prayer for the day: Heavenly Father, thank you for life and thank you for conquering death. Please give me the ability to live my life in anticipation of life and not in fear of death. It’s in your Son’s name I pray. Amen.
Isaiah 40:6, “A voice said, ‘Shout!’ I asked, ‘What should I shout?’ Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
