Kipchōge
On September 25 of this year, Eliud Kipchōge from Kenya broke the record for the Marathon in a time of 2:01:09. For some perspective, Kipchōge ran each mile at an average of 4:37 per mile for 26.2 miles! Completing a marathon is a monumental task; running one in 2:01:09 is epic!

The 33-year-old Kenya is part runner and part philosopher. His world record captured my attention, but it was something Kipchōge said that captured my imagination. He said,

“The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago.
The second-best time to plant a tree is today.”

I am long past thoughts of running a marathon. Now I think more and more about what kind of legacy I will leave behind me when I’m gone.

Now, back to Kipchōge… we all have things we wish we would have done or not done. A feeling of regret is usually attached to these thoughts and some even lament the past. And because of the paralyzing effects of regret, we never do that thing; we never plant that tree. Finally, we resign ourselves to the thought that “it’s too late.” But if Kipchōge is correct, the second best time to “plant that tree” is today. By doing so, we make an investment into the future; we build a legacy; we “create and nurture something that will outlast us.”

Are you troubled by the regret for having left something undone, or because of something you did but wished you wouldn’t have? Our enemy the devil is a liar and wants us to think that we are defeated; that there is no more “time left on the clock.” But God is the official time-keeper. HE alone says when it’s over!

There is still time to “plant that tree.” With the strength and faith that you have (no matter how big or small) I urge you to move from regret to action. God is able to give you a legacy that will long outlive you if you take courage and move.

Stay the course and plant that tree!

Your brother and friend,

shaun