The Apostle Paul’s 1st letter to the church in Corinth, chapter 9, verses 24-26 read as follows.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Dad was more than just any runner.
A marathon is a grueling 26.2-mile test of endurance. As far as I know, Dad started forty and finished forty, often driving several hours back home the same day. He never quit.
Marathoners train their bodies by running 50 miles per week, meaning Dad might have covered more than 50,000 miles over his lifetime, the earth’s circumference. I will never forget him driving out early in the mornings to set up water stations for his longer training runs. It took true dedication.
I remember Dad’s last road race when he was in his late 70’s. It was a much shorter distance. It was a cold and rainy day in March. He fell, needing medical attention. We found him in the back of an ambulance, covered in mud with bloody hands, elbows, and knees. He had one request. He wanted to finish the race.
Dad’s dedicated, disciplined approach transcended his running, and I kept the receipts which you will can see at the repast.
Dad wrote down monthly goals on yellow legal paper full of circles and triangles, which he filled in once completed. He tracked pages of classic books read, miles jogged, pushups, sit-ups, and more.
Dad totaled each metric every month and kept a yearly log to hold himself accountable. He was a man of remarkable self-discipline, which he applied to every facet of his life.
However, Dad did not run aimlessly. He applied the same strict training principles to his faith, towards a crown that lasts forever. He followed Jesus, loving his neighbors as himself.
Dad read the Bible daily. His written goals listed the Bible first and dedicated the most pages to learning God’s word. This habit served him well.
Dad loved his family. You could always find him engaged with children, whether playing basketball in the driveway, kickball in the street, cards at the kitchen table, or making sand castles at the beach. We have many pictures testifying to this.
Dad lived his life in service to others, volunteering as a Boy Scout leader, merit badge counselor, big brother, museum docent, and fundraiser for Habitat for Humanities. His impact was so significant that the State of MD recognized him for his contributions.
Dad did more than attend church regularly. He got involved. He served as a Sunday school teacher in Succasunna and was an active servant here in this parish. People from Ridgely remember him fondly despite a 7-year absence.
Dad preached to others. He sent me a letter and a Bible when I was in my late thirties. His letter stated that he wanted to leave his Bible-reading habit to me as his legacy. He described how this practice transformed his life and helped him deal with trials and tribulations.
At the time, I didn’t think I needed God in my life. I had things under control: a thriving career, a beautiful family, a big house, and a sizable bank account.
A few short years later, all those things were gone. It took time, but Dad’s legacy of dedicated Bible reading became my anchor. It pulled me out of the miry clay and put my feet on solid ground.
I am forever thankful for that legacy gift. It has served me well also.
I am comforted by Dad’s example of a life lived with eyes fixed on the prize that never perishes. It gives me confidence that towards the end of his life, he could echo the thoughts of the Apostle Paul in his farewell letter to his protégé Timothy.
2nd Timothy chapter 4, verses 7-8 reads as follows.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Well done Dad. Well done.