The last waltz can have a handful of meanings, but it’s not necessarily the last thing you do in life, although that can be true in some circumstances: but with believers, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:21).

In racing, the last waltz could be winning a championship, maybe a world record run, or the last run in a driver’s career that empowers him to hang up his gloves.

Spiritually speaking, the last waltz with God isn’t our last dance. We all have eternity staring us in the face so we’d better know where we’re headed when we take our last breath on this planet.
Knowing what lies at the end of the journey should be what gives us [you] the courage to keep on keeping-on. Believers know the end of the story. We know God’s revelation, and we know He prevails. Even the grave could not conquer our Lord Jesus Christ, that’s why He gives us a spirit of boldness, not of fear.

Many racers believe they’re on special assignment to be the best, the fastest, or the most consistent racer in the world. Intrigue and ingenuity ignites a racer to keep dancing until the last song is sung.
Our abilities, talents, and gifts were prepared for us [in] Christ Jesus long before we ever knew about Him. That’s why we must guard these precious temples so we will still be standing when the last curtain falls.

There was a last waltz at the IHBA World Finals last year. It was the final hurrah for an association, and the final hurrah for the IHBA chaplain [me], but it wasn’t my final event. My job is not over until the fat lady sings or the good Lord calls the final out.

In the summer of 1976, Linda and I were camping with some friends in the mountains of Southern California. We were enjoying ourselves and having as good time (you remember those 1970’s?). The couple in the camp next to us was having relationship problems, and ended up breaking camp early on Sunday morning.

We noticed they just got into their truck (after throwing all their camping equipment into the trash can) and drove off. Our investigation revealed the equipment was brand new and still had and the original receipts with it. Seeing as we already had camping gear, we picked up all their “trash?” and put it into our van. We took it back to the camping store and received a full cash refund. It was enough money to buy four tickets to the next weekend’s concert by “The Band” which was another one of my favorites. We also bought supplies for the concert—you’ll have to guess what those were?
“The Band” concert was as great as I expected, but I didn’t expect they would be announcing they were retiring that year. And on November 25, 1976, “The Band” played their last concert; and it was called “The Last Waltz,” a fitting name to close-out a great career.

Speaking of “The Last Waltz,” our drag boat family had a few last waltzes of its own during the past year. Some wonderful men made their last runs during the 2009 season. Their last waltz may not have been spectacular as far as celebrities go, but to us, they were famous, just as popular, and were a lot closer to our hearts.

Jim Tucker, the kind of guy you loved as soon as you met him. A kind man who was steadfast in his faith, and determined to be a champion…and to many of us he was.

Dan Chittenden, a master craftsman, a comical character, a man who was loved, looked up to, and revered by so many people everywhere he went or worked.

Don Ermshar, the only true icon in drag boat racing, a prominent attorney, known as a gentleman of gentlemen, and one of the most respected people in all of motorsports.

Gene Hackett, could hack it in any situation whether in business, racing, friendship or sponsorship, the ATTA logo will long make you think of a special man from an elite era.

Ron McClellan, a driver, a tuner, a guy that was a fierce competitor when behind the wheel, but a tender and loving man who was a true friend to many people.

Jerry Davis, an unassuming type of man, yet he was so full of knowledge, wisdom and love, many people just wanted to be a part of his infamous lost tribe.
Tom Wright, wasn’t at all cuckoo, he was just a humble man that loved his family very much, loved racing, and was a world champion in more ways than one.

As believers, our only last waltz should be with the enemy of our souls. We left him at the starting line of our salvation. He’ll never again beat us to the finish, but he’ll give us a race for our money. He’ll pretend he’s your biggest competitor by being a thorn in your flesh, or, he’ll try to be your side-kick, so he can get at you from the inside.
Since believers know who wins the “final round,” our confidence must be in Jesus Christ, who is the real winner, the true win “Light” at the finish line.

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher,” (2 Timothy 1:8-11 NIV).

Here’s a suggestion. From now on, let’s dance like it’s our first dance, not our last. Let’s live for the Lord like we’re running on all cylinders. Let’s stand up and be counted as victorious by pursuing God’s will above all else.

In preparing for the last waltz, God has set us apart to dance all the way into eternity where we will never lose step, never be ashamed of our eternal heritage, and never have to look over our shoulder to see who is watching.

When God asks you to dance, it’s the state of your heart, not your actions that are important to Him. His purpose is to take the lead, pour Himself into you so you’ll have the confidence that you’re not alone on the dance floor. If you have received God’s grace, it’s your opportunity to pass it along to someone else so they won’t feel like a wallflower..

The last waltz is truly something that is in the heart of every man, woman, and child—it’s a longing for eternal closeness, security, and peacefulness. Music, things, people, adventure, even church, won’t hold us close enough to get us what we really desire.

The last waltz is like a victory lap of honor. We have the victory as believers in Christ. Those called by God know He’ll work all things together for our good, as we become conformed to Christ. God exchanges each experience in our lives by molding us into His image. Our victory doesn’t depend on our own performance, our victory depends on God—what He did for us.

As God’s chosen children, nothing can separate us from His love. We have the ultimate victory in Christ that promises us not only making it through our final days of life on earth but also guarantees us a place with our Father in heaven.

When God says “May I have this dance?” just turn your eyes upon Jesus, look at His wonderful face…when it’s time for your last race…there won’t be any disgrace…you learned that after you rounded first base…it’s all just part of His grace…and there’s more than just fine lace…and as you’re traveling along at the right pace…you’ll soon step into the precise place.

“The Last Waltz” concert even had a feeding of the 5000—a big dinner before the five hour show started. Feeding 5000 people with the munchies was a big task for the promoters. But Jesus knew how to take it one step further. Jesus did much more with much less than what man could do…because “with God all things are possible.”

The concert had another similar situation with the feeding of the 5000—everything that went into making that event didn’t give the people much time for the appreciation factor to sink in. Their creativity raised the bar high by man’s standards. But Jesus raised the bar all the way to heaven, because “man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Fortunately, we’ll have eternity to appreciate all that Christ did!

The concert was also a sort of baptism for the group, after sixteen years of playing and touring, it was finally a way to cleanse their souls—close one door and open another one. One of the harder things in life is learning when to quit an old season and start up a new one.

Thankfully, Jesus cleansed us in advance on the cross. With His blood, He opened a new door and showed us where the real starting line was and how to cross the finish line in triumphant victory.
Even at their own going away party, “The Band” made it a point to say something important to their audience through their music.

With that thought in mind, let’s spiritualize some of their greatest songs: “Life is a Carnival,” (it’s okay to have a good time, just make sure God is in the equation). “The Shape I’m In,” (a healthy spiritual life in Christ is the only shape you need to work on). “Stagefright,” (“Do not fear” written three hundred and sixty five times in the Bible means what it says—on a daily basis). “The Weight,” (don’t wait any longer to receive Christ as your Savior; a huge weight is lifted off your shoulders when you do). “Don’t’ Do It,” (don’t be fooled by any man-made gimmick that tells you that you can do it all by yourself, you can’t). “Acadian Driftwood,” (allowing yourself to drift through life has eternal dangers, not only for you, but for those who may follow you). “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” (it’s okay to surrender to Christ; He’ll lead you to victory time-and-time again). “W. S. Walcott Medicine Show,” (when you think you are in need of medicating yourself, look to the genuine Healer for eternal health). “Up On Cripple Creek,” (any dead fish can float downstream, head up stream, set your heart and mind on Christ, He’ll raise you up through His righteousness) and your “Last Waltz” will never end.