faith unfaded

I was struck by a long-ago memory when visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum today. Dan Fogelberg’s 1982 song Run for the Roses was a couple of years old the first time I heard it, and I thought it was a metaphor for life.

I missed the literal imagery — and without the internet at your fingertips to correct misheard lyrics — I didn’t catch things like “the sun on your withers, the wind in your mane.” Clearly this was about a horse, not a wayward teenager.

But I’d been that horse.

I had the breeding. I had the “fire of the mare and the strength of the stud.” I was the best of both of my parents.

It’s breeding…and it’s training

I had the Lord.

And it’s something unknown…that drives you and carries you home

I returned to that song time after time in my life when I was trying to find my way back. My moment would arrive. I’d run for the roses once more.

I was much older before I understood horse breeding and racing, running for the prestigious garland of roses. I felt silly for not realizing the song was about a young thoroughbred.

But the metaphor remained.

Songs are often layered in imagery, and Fogelberg painted the picture perfectly.

And it’s run for the roses…as fast as you can

Your fate is delivered…your moment’s at hand

How many times do we sit in the stands, spectators of our own lives? It’s an extensive process to receive an invitation to the starting post at the Kentucky Derby.

It’s a much simpler one to access the gate to a full and abundant life.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20

It’s the chance of a lifetime…in a lifetime of chance

And it’s high time…you joined in the dance

I’m done with sitting on the sidelines of my own life. I’m running for the roses now, giving it everything I have with every breath I take.

It’s high time, indeed.