Today is Thursday, January 5th, 2006; Karen's Korner #709

I have a new friend, Chris Lousias, who is also new to our community. Among other things I have learned that Chris is a marathon runner. I had the opportunity to read a portion of a journal on her run in the Detroit Marathon. I like the way she wrote there and asked her to write a Karen's Korner devotional to share.
 
So today, this is from Chris:
 
Ready... or Not?

Mark 13:35 -- "You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of
the household will return-in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at
daybreak."

DEVOTIONAL:

Training for a marathon can be invigorating, rewarding and just plain crazy!
  Seriously, after weeks of training and the date of the event draws near,
one has the feeling of invincibility, a freedom like no other, an
accomplishment beyond all reason.

One day, three weeks before the Detroit Marathon, I was in the middle of a
15 miler.  It was my last long run before my taper weeks.  I was in a hurry
that day as I had a meeting to go to, but it was crucial that I not miss my
long run.  I was forced to run at the YMCA on the "dreadmill" due to
inclement weather.

I was in the midst of mile six when I went to reach for my water bottle.  It
wasn't there.  In my haste, I had neglected to bring my water AND my
Powerbar.  On a long run, it is crucial to take a mid-run snack so as not to
"hit the wall".  I was running well, and I really didn't want to interrupt
my pace by going to the water fountain.  I made the decision to gut it out.

Of course, I was now conscious of the fact I was without any support.  All
of a sudden I felt thirstier than I had a few minutes ago.  On top of that,
I was certain that I was going to starve to death!  Now my concentration was
off and I was falling out of the "zone".  I managed to struggle through to
mile 10 with all the distractions of my thoughts.

A friend of mine was walking past and I asked her if she wouldn't do me a
favor.  I begged her to go to my vehicle and get my water and a Powerbar out
of my lunchbox for me.  She was delighted to help.

Without skipping a beat my footfalls were lighter and my disposition
improved.  Just knowing that I was soon going to be relieved of my
discomfort lifted my spirits.  I watched the entrance with anticipation and
eagerness.  My friend came through for me, brought me the water and the
energy relief I needed.  I finished the 15 miles in good time, but I felt
consternation toward myself for not being ready.

Are you ready?  His Word tells us forthright that He will be back.  We know
that to be true just like I knew I had 15 miles to run, but I wasn't
prepared.  In your daily haste, do you neglect little things like a friendly
smile or a kind word just because you think people won't notice or care? 
Let's all work toward the goal that the Lord portrayed in the servant in

Matthew 24:45-47:

"A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the
responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.
If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there
will be a reward.  I tell you the truth; the master will put that servant
in charge of all he owns.

PRAYER:

El Olam , You are the God of Eternity.  You have given us Your Son so that
we may worship You.  You are the One who gives us a freedom that matches no
other; a freedom from sin and darkness.  On bended knee we ask the Holy
Spirit to provide us with the sustenance to get us through the race to You. 
We pray that we all wait and watch for You with anticipation and eagerness
and be ever vigilant for the coming of our Bridegroom.  We ask that You
guide us to be the faithful and sensible servants that Your Word teaches us.
  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.
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