The race is on! 

The featured image is of 4 of the Pinewood Derby cars that me and my kids built over the last 15 years. My kids are long gone from the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. However, I am still involved every year running the District event.  My boys tend to help me out also. This year, my youngest took the helm setting the cars. 

I am not sure how many cars we actually have. I would venture a guess that between my boys and the rest of the family, we have easily built over 25 Pinewood Derby cars. Everyone in our family has a trophy. 

Back in the day it would look like this:  

The Pinewood Derby car kit would be handed out in December. We would go buy 2-3 more kits at least. In the early days, I do have to admit to being a bit obsessive. After the first two years, we learned that it was better to make more than 1 car, just in case the first one didn’t work out. Year 3 got crazy as we made 5 cars. After that, I calmed down, and we became veterans. We would make a Plan A and a Plan B car. The cars were always built for speed with the concept of making sure the car was designed or built to also be a runner in the other award categories if speed didn’t work out. Hours upon hours were spent with my kids making Pinewood Derby cars. We would start building in January for the race in March. Today, if you want 3 months to work on your cars you have to start in November. I kid you not when I say, Father and Son would put in a at least 20 hours building and preparing for the BIG RACE.

We have to be ready. We have to be prepared. Where are we going? In this case, the destination is the end of the track. 

THE FINISH LINE!

Why does any of this matter? 

It is about teaching skills.
It is about learning science.
It is about showing principles.
It is about endurance.
It is about healthy competition.
It is about doing your best.
It is about witnessing the FRUIT of your work.
It is about crossing the finish line!

IT IS ABOUT HAVING FUN!

In Gospel of Matthew 24:13, Jesus says:

“The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

In Gospel of Matthew 25:21 (Parable of the Talents), the master says:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In Gospel of John 19:30, on the cross, Jesus says:

“It is finished.”

Jesus teaches that:

• Starting isn’t enough.
  
• Emotional excitement isn’t enough.
  
• Proximity to Him isn’t enough.
  
• Endurance, faithfulness, and completion matter.

And that’s Why it Matters! 

So, Go! Have a FUN FRIDAY! Endure, have Faith and Complete YOUR FINISH LINE! – This weekend.