Ready, Set... GO!

​Ready, set, go! These are the words spoken to start a backyard or neighborhood race, but NOT an Olympic 100-meter race.  I think they use a pistol. But for today's ramble, I 'ready, set, go' will suffice as I discuss the race called 'LIFE.'
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Of course, in 'LIFE,' the goal is NOT to finish fast (aka die young), but instead run a good race (2 Timothy 4:7) and live life to the full (John 10:10).

So...

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​READY SET GO... Life starts at conception, and in about 9 months, there is a new born baby. But as we all know, babies are not very FAST.  

​But no matter if babies are slow out of the gate (they sleep a lot)  it is our READY SET GO starting point.

​So go already... GO!

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My 'ready set go' baby moment was in August 1957. I was raised by loving Christian parents, gave my heart to Jesus at age 6, and was baptized at 14, all while my family attended a small-town church where I learned to love Jesus. 

After this, I did my version of grown-up life by getting a job, falling in love, getting married, having kids, and owning a dog or two. Dogs are important.

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Important Note: I was (and am) a pretty good guy., but any 'pretty good guy or gal' lives any of us live is a relative existence when compared to others instead of God's Word.

Over the years, I have made several observations

1. Life is like a MAZE with many bunny trails to wander down,
   
2. Life is like... chasing the WIND, as King Solomon described it in Ecclesiastes, and...
   
3. Life will be better just around the corner.

Mistakes will be made on everyone's LIFE journey. Poor choices and unfortunate circumstances can leave us at times with overwhelming regrets and burdens. BUT... God's Grace redeems a repentant heart.  Do not be anchored to your past. With Jesus, there is hope for us all. God listens and answers prayers in big and small ways. Trust in Him, and don't dwell on your past.

And WHEN not IF you fall, it's never too late to begin again knowing God loves you (John 3:16). 
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Ready, set, GO already as you prayerfully ... Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8.  

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No GPS is required...​
And it goes without saying...avoid the bumper-to-bumper traffic on Route 666, even if society's GPS recommends it as the easiest and fastest route. Instead, be on the less traveled narrow road using God's Word and prayer as your guide that leads on the right path for this life and someday Heaven. Mt 7:13-14. 

This ends my 'Ready, set... GO!' summary of life.  It matters eternally how you run this race. I pray we all run it in a way that shows our love for God and others.

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​May God bless and lead each of you on your own 'Ready Set Go' journey.  Whether you live to be 100 or not, this life is a blink of an eye. Finish Well.

Blessings

Jeff (Already 66 years down this road! YIKES!) Larson

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