Laying aside the emotional weights that cause us to hold onto the physical weight...

When I was a kid in school, I ran track. I was the fastest kid in my 6th grade class and was the anchor man on our 440 relay team. When I ran, I wore lightweight shorts, a lightweight tank top and track shoes. Our coach made sure we were all dressed appropriately so that we could run as fast possible. with no added weight to slow us down and hinder our progress.

We need to make sure we are dressed appropriately. We must make sure we have laid aside all that which would weigh us down. You see, we cannot win the race if we are dressed in heavy clothes, carrying a load of baggage.

GET RID OF THE WEIGHTS
Many people are not doing well in the race that is set before them. They are not winning. They are discouraged and tired and ready to throw in the towel. What is the problem? They are trying to run the race with a 100 pound pack on their back. Listen, the fastest man in the world (Usain Bolt) couldn't beat a 9th grade sprinter if he were hauling an extra 100 pounds on his back.

What weight are you carrying?
1. Many carry around the weight of guilt and shame. They have failed greatly in the past, and they cannot seem to escape the torment of the guilt. They do well in spurts, but then the thought of that terrible failure, that horrible thing they did pulls them back down.

2. Many carry around the weight of resentment and bitterness. The world is full of angry, bitter people. These folks have been hurt, mistreated, laughed at, and wronged. and as a result they are so angry and so bitter inside. Bitterness is a weight that MUST be laid aside.

3. Many carry around the weight of sadness and loss. Losing something or someone you love is very hard. Your heart breaks and it is difficult to go on. but you must go on. Life still holds meaning.

You cannot live in the past . you must live in the present.
There is a time to mourn and a time to cry. and then there is a time to move on.
No matter how much you may have lost. your life is not over.
Quit focusing on what you ONCE had, and focus on what you DO have.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO
The time is now to lay aside the weights we so often carry around with us.
The time is now to get rid of the guilt and the bitterness and start living in the present.
If you will do it, you will run unhindered. You will run and win your race!

Excerpts from Jeff Schreve newsletter