Recently, I ran in a 5K race. My good friend and fellow colleague in ministry, Chandler Willis, who pastors the Presbyterian Church two blocks away from my congregation got me into this. We run together each week, but running with a friend and competing in a race are two different things. But, he talked me into it. It turned out to be a lesson in grace, reminding me that all of life is a gift and grace surprises us at every turn. We got up early on a Saturday morning, met a member of his congregation, drove to a neighboring town and entered the Mill Town Classic sponsored by the Rotary Club. This annual event draws runners from far and wide, but never a very large group, so I am told. I filled out my form, got my number and began to prepare. We started in a group and early on it was clear who the real runners were and those of us who were there just hoping to finish. I ran hard, had to walk some, but finished the race in a respectable time, for me anyway. We stayed around after the race and shared some of the food and festivities. I was ready to leave when they began handing out trophies. Chan’s name was called and he got a trophy, placing third in his age group. Then they called my name… second place in my age group. Reluctantly, I went up and accepted the trophy. Second place. Wow! Makes me want to run farther and train harder. Second place. If only that other guy in my age group had decided to stay home… Second place…unmerited favor…a lesson in grace. God sure does have a sense of humor.