Ironman? Conclusion :)

It's been fun seeing all your responses via Facebook, email, and comments on my Ironman post.
Originally, I just wanted to post the story to make you laugh, I mean, who would ever think that I was an Ironman participant?
But, after sleep and much thought, I realized there was a lesson or two to be learned.

First? Clearly, the clerk was a very positive person. I didn't question him to know for sure, but I'm assuming he thought something along the lines of, "well, anyone could participate..." right?

Which brings me to my first thoughts. John 3:16 is clear. For God so loved the WORLD. That means everyone. Whether skinny, chubby, short, tall, wealthy, poor, good-looking, homely, smelly, or ... You get the picture. :) Anyone and everyone is included. We are not to judge who should be a participant, or in better terms who should be a "recipient" of the greatest gift of all: salvation. Free for all who believe.

Secondly, once we've accepted that gift, we ARE participants. We are running a race. Our Ironman, if you will. Hebrews 12:1-3 is a wonderful passage to look at for this. So... Wouldn't it be fitting that we actually prepare for the race?

In fact, we can all participate - just like the clerk thought, "sure-she could do it"- wouldn't it have been even greater had I arrived actually PREPARED to participate?

You see, once we are believers, we shouldn't just stay on the "milk" and go through the motions. We're supposed to be learning and growing and studying and sharing.

In short, what are you doing? Are you a participant? If not, send me a note and I'll tell you all about the greatest gift of all. If you ARE a participant, what are you doing to prepare? To run the race set before you?

Who knows, one day you may hear me say that I really AM participating in an Ironman. Nothing is impossible with God. :) amen.