Every Second Counts

Time. Everyday we live our lives around a clock, trying to make the most of every second. In one second, four babies are born. In one minute, six million cells in your body will have a chemical reaction. In one day, your heart will beat about 100,000 times. That's unbelievable! The fact that  God made all of this possible for us, makes it all the more! God has given us a lifetime. We aren't supposed to just say "Alright God, thanks! That's cool." We have to make the most of our time every single day. We are The Lord's hands on earth. Every second counts. Coaches tell their runners that during every race. "Every second counts Billy! Run fast!!" Cross country and track are both against the clock. You race to see who has the fastest time. The most guts to dig down and find that next gear. It's hard to do sometimes, however this separates the good from the great.  

Story Time!!! 
During one of my races recently, I fell (more like wiped out) and actually ended up spraining my ankle. I was in fourth place at the time and was looking to throw in a surge to try to catch the next girl. There was about 600 meters to go so I knew I needed to start picking up the pace if I wanted to catch her. I don't know what happen after that, but the next thing I knew, I was sliding on the ground like a plane who's landing gear did not function. Katie, my sister, (who was the only one to see me during this incident) said I looked as though I suddenly had the desperation to be Superman and tried to fly. Needless to say, I can't fly! At this point in time I had two options, 1. Stay on the ground and just give up, or 2. Get back up and finish. I chose option two because I wouldn't be able to stand myself if I gave up and because I had a sudden fear of being ran over and spiked by the other runners. Glory to the Lord our God, I managed to finish the race in fourth! The best part was when I crossed the finish line! The girl who won, was congratulating the other runners, came up to me after I finished. She gave the usual "Hey good job today" however she then asked "Did you fall?" During this time I was trying to figure out how she would know because she was a good distance ahead. Then she pointed to my shorts and said "You might want to take the stick out of your shorts, it kinda gave it away!" So yes, I did run with a stick in my shorts, and no I did not realize it. But hey, now I have a good story to tell!

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.

"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

We have to remember to make the most of our time on earth. Of course I could have started running and just not cared what place I got, but what's the point? Make every second count! You have to learn to use your time wisely and make the most of every situation. Everybody has bad days and good days. We have all been there. Be the optimist in your life! Nobody wants to be around a pessimist anyhow! God gave us life. There is no greater gift in all the world! Each and every single one of us have a talent of some kind. But in order to be great, we have to push ourselves. Glory will not come to the weak, rather it comes to those who are strong and persevere when times get hard.  

"When You've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power"
-Superheroes, by The Script

Of course the road won't always be smooth, and that is why we have God. He is always there for us. "For the Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior." Psalm 18:2. God wants us to come to Him during the good and the bad. Our time on earth is limited so we have to make the most of it while we can. "Every day, every hour" NEVER CEASE THE FIGHT. It won't hurt any more than it does now. Keep pushing yourself because only good can come if you know that you are trying your best! Besides what's to lose if you don't? No matter what you may doing. Make it count. Give everything your best shot and God will help with the rest. 

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity [make it count], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” 

– Ephesians 5:15-17