What do you really value in life? What’s most important?

Sunday, I ran the Carlsbad 1/2 Marathon. It’s the 12th time I’ve done the race and my first 1/2 in four years. What made this year’s race different is, I have an injured hamstring muscle. So, my plan was to run “gently,” not race or push, but just enjoy myself. I finished just 9 minutes slower than my personal best. I was amazed at how well the race went! I felt a great accomplishment in running so well with my injury and having a good time.

This week, I’ve been living in the afterglow of the race. I’m grateful for the accomplishment. I still feel good, but the afterglow is fading with each passing day.

What do I value? I must confess that I place value in accomplishments. It feels good to achieve something that I’ve worked hard to attain. May I confess that it also helps to build my ego?

Though I’m grateful for a good race, I have to remember that it wasn’t me that allowed me to race and do well. The blessing comes from God. It was through Christ in me that I found the strength to run and, run without making the injury worse.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

I’m still learning that my greatest value needs to be Christ. It is through him that I can find ultimate contentment, satisfaction, and gratitude for the blessings in life.

Can you relate?