The Last Day

Have ever seen the Tour de France on TV? For the person wearing the yellow jersey, meaning he is the leader of the race going into the final day. For that person, that final day is just kind of a leaisure ride compared to the pace he has kept during the rest of the race. They enter Paris to the cheers of many hundreds of people lining the route. Usually they are surrounded by other riders who are a part of his team and have helped them achieve the first place finish. But it really is a great day of celebration for them. Well that was what the ride today was. It was an easy day of just 13.5 miles and on the map ended at the Atlantic Ocean on Jekyll Island, Georgia. I can only imagine what it would have really been like if I was really there. I rode a couple of extra miles today because I would have ridden along the shoreline until I would have gotten to the Jekyll Island State Park. Then, if I was really there I would not have just dipped my foot in the Atlantic but I imagine I would prop my bike up by a tree or post, run across any beach that would be there and dive in, riding clothes and all. At that moment, in my excitement I would just run for the water that I have looked forward to for almost 12 weeks. For me, this was a time to celebrate. In those 12 weeks; minus 1 week for being in the hospital for four days, having a heart cath, having 2 stents put in and not being allowed to ride for a few days; I rode 2,440 miles. I will be figuring my average miles per day and my average speed and will let you know what that was. As I thought about the leader finishing the Tour de France and my finishing this trip and wanting to celebrate because I had reached such a huge personal goal and a dream I had always wanted to do, I could not stop thinking about Jesus. He knew where he was headed, what he had before him, what his future set before him was going to be - it was to hang on a cross. But was it an event to celebrate. That reason why he came to Earth was to die on that cross and he knew it. I think Jesus knew what he had to focus on though. Sure he could have focused on the horrible death he was going to have to suffer. He knew it was coming. But he had it right. Look at Hebrews 12:2,"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." In telling us what we are to focus on (Jesus), God's word tells us what he focused on, "The joy set before him." This is the joy that comes with sitting at the right hand of God. Yes the cross was in front of him but he looked at joy. He looked at the joy that comes with be in the presence of God. Suppose that is a suggestion of what we are to focus on during our lives. Today I accomplished a goal that till now was just a dream. Think about what Jesus had to accomplish before he could celebrate and because of that we too can celebrate throughout our lives. Talk to you tomorrow.