Victory is Sweet but Mourning May Follow Joy

It was something I highly anticipated. Though I loved running and jogging for enjoyment and relaxation, I would be running in a cross-country meet against a fellow coach and teacher named George; he had won the Michigan title while in college.

First we would allow the students to run and then we would run. We had to go through the woods where a there was a steep hill half-way and at the end. That made the challenge. When the starter pistol sounded, we took off. Some coaches fell behind immediately while others tore off. I felt that I should have a measured gait so I would have enough energy to climb that 45 degree incline. Half way up I passed George. I thought that he was pulling a bluff on me. It seemed like my heart was in my throat as I neared the top. I was still in the lead and most of the course was now downhill. I flew downward trying to obtain as much space as possible between myself and George. The final hill came into view now and then I knew that George would never catch up. Many of my students cheered as I crossed the finish line; the other team fell silent as their coach plodded up the hill in second place. I felt jubilant since this was one of my first races since high school.

On Monday morning we went back to school and a few teachers congratulated me. The students never mentioned it again, however. I was still jubilant but it seemed like I was living in a vacuum as nobody else seemed to show much excitement about the race. The rest of the week went by slowly and I even stopped running for a while. Even though this story took place 20 years ago my memories of that sweet victory came back to haunt me a few weeks ago.

The reason was that Mike Tyson had just lost against Holyfield. It was quite evident that Tyson was quite despondent to say the least. He had experienced many victories in his life but after each victory, he anticipated lots of attention. Unfortunately, after a victory, life goes on and people forget. Do you remember who won in baseball October '96? What about NHL hockey in the Spring of '96? Detroit won in '97, I believe.

My victory is overshadowed by the fact that life goes on and do people really care after the fact? Holyfield was quoted as saying, "What Tyson needs is a saviour." Time magazine did not capitalize that word, "saviour" but I'm sure that Holyfield was trying to say is that though Tyson lost and feels lost, loses his cool, etc., he really needs somebody who will say, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). When I realized that my sweet victory would really only mean something to me and soon be forgotten by others I knew that I needed somebody who would never forget me. He would take my interests and use them to His service.

In one sense we are all like Mike Tyson, that is, in need of a "Saviour". A Saviour who would rescue us and give us self-esteem once again. That Saviour is Jesus Christ and He can raise us up to be a new person, somebody who will be able to fight all battles with courage and strength.

As for me, I still run but now, one of my favorite verses is taken from Isaiah 40:31. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." And I am reminded that I may have to wait but He still expects me to run and even walk. You may be an athlete my friend, or have some other talent and have lots of hopes and aspirations. You may have trophies, ribbons or a Golden Glove Award. Someday, those memories will have to go to some garage sale or be taken downstairs into the Storage Room. Victory may be sweet but please don't expect that sweetness to last. Mourning may follow. If you ask Christ to give you the best victory ever possible, that is, a new life in Christ, He will. Then joy will always be in the morning and throughout the day and the rest of your life!

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Contributed by George Prins, email: mailto:gprins@freenet.npiec.on.ca