Run Your Race on Bonus Time
Updated: Jan 17
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Dub Morgan celebrated his 99th birthday recently. He walks one to three miles daily, does 50 pushups, and bicep curls with five-pound weights. He still drives; however, he says he's made the same trip 1000 times. So not much left to see, but he is thankful nonetheless. Not surprisingly, Dub has endured many hardships and life's ups and downs as he moves toward 100 years of age. Yet, he has taken each in stride with dignity and faith. He is running the race God has called him to run.
As we talked on the phone, I was astounded by his memory and ability to fill in pieces of my life puzzle. Events from the past that are foggy to me are vivid for him. You see, Dub is my only remaining uncle. He has an infectious sense of humor, and I never leave a conversation without feeling encouraged. He is a force multiplier. During our talks, he always leaves bits and pieces of wisdom that I find along the trail. For example, during our happy 99th birthday call, I asked him if he thought he was on "borrowed time." He laughed and said, "I was on borrowed time decades ago; I'm on BONUS TIME!" We both laughed, but I was struck with a new awareness.
Many younger people run their race like they have all the time in the world. They believe that "borrowed" and "bonus" times are reserved for "old" people. But, given what we see happening in the world today and what the Bible tells us is coming, perhaps we are all living on Bonus time right now. So, maybe we should all take our race training more seriously, like a triathlete. Perhaps we should consider the prize we seek at the end of the race. Are we running the race of the world? You know, "the one with the most toys in the end wins!" Or are we running our race with a clear focus on Jesus and a crown that will last forever?
May God bless you as you run your race as if on Bonus Time! If you do, you'll not only find the eternal crown at the end, but you'll also discover joy and peace on the way!
