I recently decided to run the Music City half marathon. This will be my first race of any kind. Of course, I’m not focused on winning, or my time for that matter at all. I am purely focused on finishing and pushing myself to a whole new level.
As I begin training, I think about the distance that I will work myself up to; honestly, it’s a bit daunting. It’s overwhelming, and I’m not quite sure how I am going to build up to that distance. But isn’t that true of anything? If you think ahead too far, you just simply get ahead of yourself. The times in my life when I am the most joyful, the most peaceful and the most Spirit led, are the times that I take one day at a time and continually rely on God, moment by moment.
I love running because I love the way it parallels to our spiritual lives. You see, as much as I need physical endurance right now, I need just as much, if not more, spiritual endurance.
This summer I was running 4 miles every day. It amazed me that no matter how many times I ran it was never a breeze, it was always work and I always struggled. I think the same for our spiritual lives, we think just because we’ve done something a million times, prayed, served, worshiped, relied on God, etc. that eventually it won’t be work anymore and we can just hit cruise control and sail through life. But a relationship with God (or anybody for that matter) doesn’t work like that. It is a daily commitment, a daily choice and a daily run, sprint or jog, whatever pace you prefer.
Nothing reminds me more of that than running—the push, the struggle, and the payoff.
Daily, I have to rely on God and chose to seek His face first. I always know that I NEED God, but that doesn’t mean I always give Him my focus (ashamedly). However, as I continue to spend time alone with God, the more I actually CRAVE His presence in my life. Through my time alone with Him, He has given me so much joy, joy that could only be from Him alone. Joy from the Lord is glowing and contagious, I believe that with all my heart.
So these days, I am running full speed ahead into the Arms of God--and He is so good!
What are you pushing yourself towards these days? I’d love to hear!
I am teaming up with Food for the Hungry for the half marathon. FH is an organization that aids communities all around the world, I have chosen to raise money for an orphanage in Ethiopia. If you’d like to help the cause, or simply learn more about it, please visit my donation page! http://grouprev.com/angimason
