Celebrate ... and look ahead!

In the rather insignificant world of Loer family fitness (insignificant to everyone but me and Audrey, that is – it’s quite significant for us!), this is a pretty big week.  On Saturday, Audrey and I are going to put all our training these past 3 months to work as we run a half-marathon.  It will be a very small race and Audrey and I expect to win our respective divisions (in fact, it will just be the two of us taking two very big laps around town!).  We’re looking forward to the feeling of accomplishment when we cross the finish line.

But we’re already thinking about what’s next. 

Don’t misunderstand me.  Saturday is going to be a day of great rejoicing … and I’m not going to look past it and forget to enjoy the moment.  Accomplishments are a great way of looking back at how far we’ve come, how much God has strengthened us for the daily work, and how the people around us have given us support and encouragement along the way.

However, being too complacent in the accomplishment can also get us stuck there in that moment.  I believe Will Rogers is credited with this quote: “Even if you’re on the right track, you get run over if you just sit there.”

So it is with life.  What can you celebrate today?  What accomplishments in your personal, communal, or faith life can you rejoice in today?  How has God blessed you today?  Give thanks!  But then wonder, “Where do I go from here?”  Or, “What does God have in store for me next?”  It is in asking this question and seeking to pursue that next leg of the journey where we live into God’s call to love Him and serve our neighbor.

May God strengthen you for these next few steps in the journey to be loving and faithful.

 

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