I'm not really a runner but for a little while I have been trying to impersonate one. In an attempt to lose weight and get fit I have added running and swimming to my schedule. I am feeling good and seeing some results.
Running is a relative term. I'm big and slow. Today I was jogging around the track at a local school and a guy and his dog were running the opposite direction. We passed each other four times. I only ran two laps. Do the math. The way I figure, though, I am twice his weight and probably twice his age so he needs to pick up the pace!
Sometimes I run up behind a walker going in the same direction. Once I catch up we can have a pretty decent conversation as I am "passing" them. Again, running is a relative term.
Occasionally I have had passersby or people in their yard say things like "keep it up" or "good job!" I really appreciate the encouragement, although it could be sympathy.
A few lessons I've learned so far: 1. Going further gets a little easier if you keep at it. 2. The hardest part is getting started. 3. A little encouragement goes a long way. 4. Looking down the road a ways makes it easier than focusing on one block at a time. 5. Thinking about something other than when you get to stop seems to help.
There are a lot of similarities to the Body of Christ. Long term obedience is where it's at. Spiritual growth is all about Jesus but we have to initiate willingness to be formed by Jesus. We really need cheerleaders to keep going. The bigger vision informs our short-term goals. Sabbath is more rewarding when you are focused on purposeful work rather than your next break from religious routine.
I sometimes overhear conversations about training for marathons and people running distances that equate to traveling to cities a good distance from where I live. It seems out of the realm of where I am at currently in my running, but who knows. I just need to do what is best for my particular body that God gave me, which in turn teaches me a lot about spirit life as well.
Whatever your race, run with endurance, purpose and joy!
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