This picture is about 2 weeks old. It was early Saturday morning, the sun was just starting to rise a little higher in the sky, and this is the gift I received for being dedicated. Dedication to my running has proven over and over again how wonderful it is to wake up and see God’s glory. However, it is not always easy to stay dedicated when, daylight saving time begins and the weather in the northeast becomes, let’s say, unkind. Yes, it would be easy to bail on my regimen of a healthy lifestyles for a few months, but running is more than just a way to keep my body in shape. It is one of the most precious times I spend with my loving God.
I call it my “War Room”. This is a movie I have seen previews for, but never actually saw. We all know, a lot of times, the trailer of a movie can give us the gist of what it is about and if we will like it or not. I am guessing I would like this one because it is about people struggling and someone giving them advice on how to set yourself up (in a room), and pray. A place to focus on prayer, quiet, and wisdom. Sounds like an inspiring tale of instruction to be more dedicated in speaking to God.
I have a small house and extra room is hard to come by, so going out in the fresh air by myself, in movement brings me closer to Jesus. I think of it as His great big playground for me to set the cadence of my heart upon Him. Stepping out the front door to venture on my own, no distractions, focusing on what I am grateful for, is what has me going back for more.
When you are running with God it brings upon a certain humility. He listens as I jabber about my worries, hurts, thoughts of unfairness, and other things often nonsensical. It makes me think how patient He is and me, not so much. Sometimes I can hear Him loud and clear, but other times it feels like the silence on His end is deafening. So, why do I continue to take this on the road? Because the process is what gets us to the starting line of so many things. If it were not for my running, I would not have met my maker along the road and who knows where I would be.
Running is mostly a solitary sport, especially if you are a long distance runner. The pull of the miles sends you out day after day because you feel some kind of gratification in the building of distance. Maybe you have heard, “Every runner has a reason”? This is true, otherwise none of us would do it. To me it is giving myself over to Him every time I set my feet on the asphalt and the beat of my heart sends a praise up to heaven. A moment in time for the worries to disappear and to be heard by the one that truly cares.
So, I will continue to go out in the sub-zero weather. Cold, wind, or snow to the starting line of the next conversation with God. A view like the one in the picture sends me straight to His word ~ Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”.
Run40life2Jesus 