Run

I admit it. 

I got carried away...

I was looking at 

other blogs tonight. 

What a delight!

But now, I must be quick

to write my own blog

because I'm starting a new job

on Thursday, so this southern chick

must find a way to fall asleep

so I can wake up early

or I'll be acting squirrely

but I have a new job to keep! 

Saturday I ran. I was walking with a friend and he said he wanted to jog a bit. He jogged ahead and well, my feet began to want to follow and slowly, but surely, I was running. I've never enjoyed running. 

However, I must say, I liked it this time. 

It felt freeing. My heart beat faster as I followed, at a slow jog, around the lake. We alternated between running and walking and often, I led the way. 

It was late in the day. I enjoyed the quietness that surrounded us, with the exception of a few other runners, bikers and Canada geese honking, as they flew over. Maybe it is late in my life to start running. No matter. It's happening and I am going to "run with it." 

This afternoon, I called a friend and told her about running around the lake yesterday. I told her I wanted to run some more today and suggested a place to meet. Surprised, she joined me and we jogged on dirt trails through the hardwood forest, aglow with autumn's color and we fast-walked on paths as leaves crunched under our feet, happy. A pink and purple sunset filled the sky and the sun set on an incredible day. I feel alive and thankful. 

Running is a spiritual activity too, in the Word of God. In just taking a few minutes to study, I see three things that stand out to me.

1. Running and not growing weary. (if we hope in the Lord, He renews our strength)
2. Running with purpose in every step. (We run for an eternal prize.)
3. Running with endurance. (We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, who initiates and perfects our faith!)

In Isaiah 40:29-31

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (NLT)

Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.* Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;* then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

So, let's run with it...


Marie