I have come to the end of my year-long running journey, where I had decided to run through the last twenty years of my music collection, going back-in-time with my thoughts and musings to see where it led. Each song or album that I acquired over the last twenty years had a memory or meaning attached to it. So I began the journey by loading up my MP3 with a variety of songs and genres and took off running. As the year came to a close, I found the last artist on my playlist – U2. It seemed appropriate enough. This particular album was a collection of four songs from a Starbucks CD back in the early 2000’s. Ah yes, I remember those early Starbucks days, juggling morning carpool and a full-time commute into downtown. Starbucks had become my refuge for a while and this CD had offered solace.
So I began my last musical journey listening to the songs, “All You Need is Love” and “I Believe in Father Christmas”, and then finally came to the last song: “The Redemption Song”. It was originally sung by Bob Marley, and his words played over in my mind as I ran…
“Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom
Cause all I ever have is Redemption Songs.”
Redemption. Such a powerful word. It’s a transitional word, bringing to mind many other similar words and progressions.
Atonement. Restitution. Forgiveness. Grace. Love. Jesus. God. Heart. Soul. Life.
A great way to end the year’s running and thoughts – Redemption. After all that a year can bring – happiness, sadness, new beginnings and old friends – I am forever humbled and grateful to be here, and hopefully a little wiser. We are all on a journey; let’s make sure we’re on the right one because we only have this one life to decide. What will be your last song? 
Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and have sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Bob Marley – Redemption Song
