Nelson Ledges Chaplain’s Notes

RECEIVING
It is better to give than to receive. From the time we were children, (a long, long time ago for me) we have had this lesson taught to us again and again. And, it is a good thing.  SCCA racing could not exist without the many volunteers who give more than they receive. Most of us owe someone who helped us in the past, a parent, a mentor, a coach, a teacher, or a pastor, who poured into our lives. Many times we can’t pay them back. Ohio State’s great former football coach Woody Hayes always said you can’t pay back but you can pay forward by helping others. Many don’t know of the hours he spent quietly helping the less fortunate.

But sometimes as you get older and you are in a position to be the giver most all of the time, you can become prideful of that fact. You feel that others need you more than you need them. Receiving becomes difficult because it wounds your pride to need others. When you finally receive it is can be very humbling.

For the weekend of The Lamest Day, The 24 Hours of LeMONS, I was the receiver. I had originally committed to be a part of Team Psychosis in the early spring as a present for my 60th birthday. But the reality of the cost of racing even a $500 car and a bout with very early stage prostate cancer caused me to drop out. A replacement driver was found and I was resigned to being the Chaplain and an announcer for the event. 

Then a couple of months before the race, I got a call from my friend and fellow announcer Kevin “the Pirate” Stolicny saying that one of the drivers had dropped out. He also said it was always his desire that we race together and he was willing to pay my share so I could drive at no cost.  I was uncomfortable receiving the generous offer of a free ride. Then Kevin reminded me that I had helped him out. He reminded me that sometimes it is important to allow someone else the joy of giving by being humble enough to receive. It is that way with God. We have to humble ourselves to accept His free gift of salvation.

After a test day to prove to myself that I could still drive one of those race car things, I accepted. But the kindness didn’t stop there. While driving the second stint, I forgot that the key on our Dodge Omni GLH doesn’t come back after starting and a number of laps later the starter burned out. It took nearly five hours to diagnose, run into town for a replacement and repairing. All of the other drivers (Dan Moran, Dave Martin, Chad Squires, Speedy Pete Smakula and the Pirate) were gracious about the mistake (although I am sure there was a word or two muttered under their breaths until the repair was complete.)  We marched up the order to third in class until the motor blew in the 22nd hour. I had my 60th birthday present after all and learned a valuable lesson in humbly receiving. Thanks Team!

Blessings,
Chaplain Gray