Shade Tree Wisdom 5/19/12

          If you can believe it, some 2,700 athletes were signed up to slip into the waters of Lake Woodlands starting at 6:50 this morning. They will swim 2.4 miles, then bike into the Piney Woods for 112 miles, and end by running a 26.2 mile marathon.

          The race, called the Ironman race, ends at midnight. Last year more than 2,400 finished. Athletes come from 41 different countries, 114 are from the Woodlands, and l,149 from Texas.

          Nick Wolda, President of the local Convention Bureau, calls it “a huge marketing tool for the Woodlands. Ironman is the most recognized brand for triathletes. It’s a significant brand that represents quality, hard work, and athleticism.”

          That’s covering over 149 miles in a single day, and that requires stamina, determination, and dedication to getting the body ready for so much effort. Yet there are many who do that, and do it more than once.

          I simply marvel at such dedication.

          Yet, I read the history of the Church and find it filled with story after story of dedication, effort, determination, and often real sacrifice simply to do what? Why, follow the command to “Go into the world and preach the Gospel to every nation, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

          And I thank God for the gift of His Spirit, for that is what drives such people. Not to gain a prize, or to gain the satisfaction of having done something, but to Obey their Lord Jesus Christ. For them their watchword might well that of David in Psalm 62,6 “ “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” V.6

          So the Lord blesses His Church and keeps on building it.

GPD 5/19/12