Runners

Hebrews 12:1-3
12 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, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I am courageously trying to get back into running. There was a time where life seemed so fast paced I did not have a shot. No doubt, that time took a little out of my legs. Possibly a little more than I would have liked. there was a time where I had running power, stamina and agility on demand. I could but think to summon it and it would emerge forth with a vigor. My brain would think it, my muscles would encourage it, my lungs would breathe off of it and my body would oblige. It is not quite that way any longer. It takes a little more than it once did to find myself pushing that extra mile. That extra mile of motivation can come from anywhere; a lesson that I learned today.

I love listening to podcasts when I run. I love it because it combines two of my favorite things, sport and Jesus. Usually, when running during a profound thought from one of my favorite speakers, I find myself setting a little faster pace than usual. It is almost as if I am running toward that profound thought literally, not just mentally. It encourages me to keep running literally, and to keep running Spiritually. To always strive for the next mile.

Today, however, in the middle of a profound thought I found something else to motivate me on both ends of the spectrum. Though there were profound thoughts streaming in between my ears left and right, I found myself turning the corner of a path in the park. As I rounded this corner, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman running towards me. She was about 5’6″, had on an orange and black outfit and brown hair. Her smile was amazing. Did I mention she was probably close to 40 years old? (the only reason I saw her smile is because I held up a high-five and she obliged with a smile and a high-five).

She was close to 40 years old. She was not running at marathon pace. As a matter of fact, it almost seemed that this was the hardest part of her journey this morning judging by the look of anguish on her face. As we started to get closer, I had a thought, (and this is profound) I am not the only one running today. Brilliant right? I know!

I know it is probably something so trivial and silly, but I loved the reminder. If nothing else, that woman running toward me served a purpose of reminding me that no matter how hard the road, no matter what mile marker you are on, you are not the only one running. After a high-five to her, I found my legs rejuvenated and the last mile rather swift compared to the previous two. My body fed off of the reminder. I am not the only one running.
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Food for thought: for those of you reading this, who call yourselves disciples of Jesus… no matter where you are in the road, because ever race is different: you are not the only one running. I am running with you. My prayer and hope is that we run well.

This is a thank you to the woman running today. I may never see you again, but you spur me on to know Jesus more, whether that was your intention or not.