I'm training to run a half marathon! My goals, besides actually running the 13 miles, are not to whine or over analyze the experience. Having said that, let me share my analysis thus far:
I've never been a runner, and I'm not sure what possessed me to try it. Now that 2 of my sisters are training and going to run it with me, I can't possibly back out! But I've discovered that it is an amazing experience to push yourself to keep going when everything in you is screaming for you to stop. When my lungs and legs are yelling, "Don't go one more step...WALK....STOP...I can't do it....this is not worth it...." I only reach my goal when my mind has decided, before I even start, how far I will go before I stop. As I ran this morning I thought about how my spiritual "run" is much the same.
There are phases in my life when my heart and mind scream, "God's not coming through.... find another way.....He's not going to be faithful.....stop waiting.....this is too hard...He's asked too much...is it worth it???" In those moments it is only my history with God and the fact that I decided a long time ago to trust Him, no matter what, that keep me going.
The other thing I've learned is that it's more about endurance than it is about speed. I don't really care how fast I run the race, but I care a lot about actually fininshing it. Again the same can be said for our spiritual lives. To "run" well for the long haul is what really matters. I so often get in a hurry or impatient with God and want Him to do things fast. I even want Him to do His work in my heart fast. But I'm learning that He does things well and at just the right time. He's not too worried about my timing!
My goal for running is to be ready and to finish that 13 mile run. My goal spiritually is to trust Him no matter what, to finish this "race" well, and to be totally abandoned to Christ until this race is run!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
So much for not over analysing....I'm still not whining though!
About Me
- Remember Who You Are
- Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States
- I am a wife, mother and follower of Jesus Christ. I've been married to Jim for 36 years. We have 4 amazing children: Brian 33 years, Melissa 31 years, Rachel 28 years, Michael 24 years (our son whose needs are special). A few years ago God blessed with another daughter who is 27. We have 3 awesome in-law kids: Jena (the other Mrs. Beise!), Nathan, Dave, and Jacob. Then joy of all joys, we have 5 gorgeous grandchildren! I am the Groups Pastor at The Crossing Church in St Louis. Jim and I spent 12 years in France working with professional artists through La Fonderie: a ministry we started to embolden and equip artists to impact their culture. We love France and especially love the people of France! My hope is that, with this blog, I will be able to share my life and my honest journey with Christ as He continues to change me and teach me who I really am. I have found God to be more than faithful as I've lived the ups and downs of my life. I want to share hope from my experiences. "Now, with God's help, I shall become myself." Soren Kierkeggard
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3 comments:
Great, encouraging thoughts--thanks for sharing! :)
Erika P.
Ok, thanks! Now I feel bad for the times I have called and complained about the running! :)
Great entry! I remember running back in my, before stroke days, and experiencing that same determination to just finish the course. It is a good reminder of our spiritual race. Hang in there with your training! I feel the same race getting the job of packing completed and we are on a race against time. Little over a week to go and there is still a lot to do, but God is good. A few friends have been free to help us. Don't think we could do it without them!!
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