1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

I have a challenge for you, church. This year, throughout the year, we will be offering a number of things to help us focus on healthy living. The purpose of healthy living is so that we have the energy, strength and endurance to carry out the ministry that God is calling on us to do. We will have a health screening, a blood drive, a class on healthy lifestyle, and a few other things.

But I have a bigger challenge for those who like to run (or if you are like me and don’t like to run, but will if you have to). It’s called the Crossroads Challenge. Every year before the Flowertown Festival and Cooper River Bridge Run, the YMCA puts on the Flowertown Festival Run. They offer three categories. You can run a 10k, 5k run/walk or a one mile just for fun. The “Y” gives away prizes in each category, but I will give away prizes to those people from Crossroads who enter and finish the race in one of those categories. So I dare you to enter. The race is March 13^th and you can download the entry form from the Summerville YMCA website. Just click on Flowertown Festival and then click on Related Events. Entry forms must be postmarked by February 28^th or dropped off in person by March 11^th.

Will I see you there?

Running the race,

Lew