I am selfish.
All I wanted to do tonight was run. I neglected to get up this morning when I should have. I put myself in a position where I would have to run in the evening if it was going to happen at all.
I made a mistake. I let my desire to run ruin my evening. I wish I could adequately describe how I felt. All day it was on my mind. My thoughts were elsewhere all night. My children needed me and it irritated me. I found everything they needed to be a chore. My wife wanted me to watch part of a basketball game that we didn't get to finish last night. Even as I was about to get on the treadmill, my son yells for me from his bedroom, "Dadddddddddd!!!" I just want some "me time." Why cant I just do what I want to do?
As I started on the treadmill and flipped through the channels, I realized what I had done. I had put myself before my family. I had sacrificed my wife and children for what I wanted. I, I, I. I could have held my wife while we finished the basketball game. I could have spent more time with my daughters and helped them with their homework. I could have showed more compassion on my son when he yelled for me from his bedroom. These are wonderful, loving people. It is such a privilege to have a family like I have. Today I treated them as a burden. I was more concerned about what I wanted, than what they needed.
As a Christian I am called to be a servant, "a cheerful giver." Today I chose not to run when I was supposed to and became "a hateful taker." Giving doesn't come natural for me. I have to really concentrate on it. I have to do it on purpose. I'm not talking about giving in hopes to get something in return. I'm talking about giving expecting nothing back. That is when I feel closer to God. He is the ultimate giver. He gave his life. I am so glad he was more concerned with what I needed, instead of what he wanted.
I will get up early in the morning and run so that this won't happen again. I want to serve my family and experience God, not take from them and distance myself from him. I want to run, but not at the expense of the ones I love.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
I'm Weird
The alarm went off at 5:00am, I got up, dressed and went outside. This morning it was 17 degrees with a wind chill that made it 2 degrees. Freezing. No...below freezing. I was fine. I knew what the conditions were going to be the night before and laid out my clothes accordingly. I ran my 4 miles and came back inside to the warmth of my home.
During my run God talked to me. He talked a lot. He talked to me about my pace, about being prepared, about protecting myself, about the cold. What really hit home with me today, is that God told me I was weird. Someone today said "I was committed...or at least should be" for running outside this morning. Yeah, I'm weird. Weird for going out in the brutal cold. Weird for waking up before the world gets moving. Weird for doing what others think is not normal.
Weird for following him.
Lately, the fact that I am not normal has been visibly evident. I don't treat people the way the world does, I expect more from my children than the world does, I handle my money with more care than the world does, I love my wife with more devotion than the world does. I'm not perfect. I'm just different.
Honestly, sometimes I just want God to let me be like everyone else. Its so much easier and self-serving to let the world dictate who I am. I see the commercial and think..."If I didn't tithe that could be mine." I come home exhausted and think.."I provide for my family by working 9 & 1/2 hours a day, I shouldn't have to wash the dishes." My kids have some activity after school and I think..."I do everything for them. Cant I have a minute to myself?" Whenever I start to feel that way, he convicts me and shows me how awesome it is to be weird. How awesome is it to give my money to help others? How awesome is it to have a meal every night I come home? How awesome is it to have children that love me so much that they want me to be an active part of their lives?
Getting up while its still dark to run outside in single digit temperatures seems weird to most folks. Trying to live your life by the teachings of Christ seems weird to others.
I like being weird.
I think my kids might be weird too. I sure hope so.
During my run God talked to me. He talked a lot. He talked to me about my pace, about being prepared, about protecting myself, about the cold. What really hit home with me today, is that God told me I was weird. Someone today said "I was committed...or at least should be" for running outside this morning. Yeah, I'm weird. Weird for going out in the brutal cold. Weird for waking up before the world gets moving. Weird for doing what others think is not normal.
Weird for following him.
Lately, the fact that I am not normal has been visibly evident. I don't treat people the way the world does, I expect more from my children than the world does, I handle my money with more care than the world does, I love my wife with more devotion than the world does. I'm not perfect. I'm just different.
Honestly, sometimes I just want God to let me be like everyone else. Its so much easier and self-serving to let the world dictate who I am. I see the commercial and think..."If I didn't tithe that could be mine." I come home exhausted and think.."I provide for my family by working 9 & 1/2 hours a day, I shouldn't have to wash the dishes." My kids have some activity after school and I think..."I do everything for them. Cant I have a minute to myself?" Whenever I start to feel that way, he convicts me and shows me how awesome it is to be weird. How awesome is it to give my money to help others? How awesome is it to have a meal every night I come home? How awesome is it to have children that love me so much that they want me to be an active part of their lives?
Getting up while its still dark to run outside in single digit temperatures seems weird to most folks. Trying to live your life by the teachings of Christ seems weird to others.
I like being weird.
I think my kids might be weird too. I sure hope so.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Running Grateful
This morning I woke up and chose to run on the treadmill. It was pretty cold outside and my wife needed to leave early as she was on worship team at our church. I guess it is nice to have a parent at home on a cold morning if the kids need something.
I started on the treadmill and just could not bring myself to get up to a run. I just felt yucky. I began with a brisk 4mph walk and thought that after I warmed up I would be able to run at a 6mph pace. I never got there. I went about 3/4 mile and tried to run..couldn't do it. At mile 1.75 my wife came to the basement and said that she needed to leave but that the car was iced over. That was the end of my "running" for the day. You should have seen me outside in the snow with the temperature below 20 degrees with running shorts and a winter jacket on trying to clean off my wife's car. Funny. Nice looking legs though.
I could complain about not feeling well, not being able to get into a rhythm, being cut short to go outside in the cold, but I will not. All I could think of was....Thank you.
I am so thankful for being able to run. For being able to help my wife. For the chance to care for my children. Thank you. I feel gratitude for the experiences I have had, disappointment at my last race, running in the snow, laughing with my children, getting angry when my kiddos have a bad day at school. Thank you.
All I could think of as I tried to run, was the many blessings God has given me. Yes even trials can be blessings. A lot of the time I don't want the bad stuff to bless me. I would rather gripe about it or just wallow in my own miserableness. But he teaches me so much in the midst of struggle and suffering.
This week I am going to try to run gratefully. Thanking him as I go. Counting my many blessings. Letting him remind me of how much he loves me. Maybe if I do that, I will actually get up on time. Thanking him will be a great reason to wake up early and run.
I started on the treadmill and just could not bring myself to get up to a run. I just felt yucky. I began with a brisk 4mph walk and thought that after I warmed up I would be able to run at a 6mph pace. I never got there. I went about 3/4 mile and tried to run..couldn't do it. At mile 1.75 my wife came to the basement and said that she needed to leave but that the car was iced over. That was the end of my "running" for the day. You should have seen me outside in the snow with the temperature below 20 degrees with running shorts and a winter jacket on trying to clean off my wife's car. Funny. Nice looking legs though.
I could complain about not feeling well, not being able to get into a rhythm, being cut short to go outside in the cold, but I will not. All I could think of was....Thank you.
I am so thankful for being able to run. For being able to help my wife. For the chance to care for my children. Thank you. I feel gratitude for the experiences I have had, disappointment at my last race, running in the snow, laughing with my children, getting angry when my kiddos have a bad day at school. Thank you.
All I could think of as I tried to run, was the many blessings God has given me. Yes even trials can be blessings. A lot of the time I don't want the bad stuff to bless me. I would rather gripe about it or just wallow in my own miserableness. But he teaches me so much in the midst of struggle and suffering.
This week I am going to try to run gratefully. Thanking him as I go. Counting my many blessings. Letting him remind me of how much he loves me. Maybe if I do that, I will actually get up on time. Thanking him will be a great reason to wake up early and run.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Footprints
No. This is not a blog about that footprints in the sand poem. If that's what you were expecting, sorry. Personally that story gets on my nerves. Its sort of like the Macarena, you hear it over and over again until you just want to turn the channel. Anyway...
I woke up early this morning to get my run in, but my belly did not cooperate. Curse you Chex Mix!!! The holidays can be so rough on your exercise routine. This morning I was afraid to stray from the house, if you know what I mean. I had only laid out winter running clothes, which meant if I were to run on the treadmill, I would have to go back into my bedroom, root through my drawers, wake up Cathy..... I to save my marriage and lay on the couch for an hour. In order to run today, I would have to do it after work.
Bonus!! It snowed. First real good snow of the season. I love running in the snow. It is so beautiful when everything is covered in white. By the time I got home, we had about 1 & 1/2 inches on the grass. Quickly, I changed into my running gear and headed out. The sidewalks where covered and you could see where people had been walking. Footprints mixed with paw prints. Somebody probably had just walked their dog. There where lots of tracks. So many people had been out enjoying the new fallen snow.
Once I got off the sidewalk in town and onto the shoulder of our city's bypass, I could no longer see the footprints. The county boys had salted the streets and none of the white stuff was to be seen on the main roads or the shoulder. I doubt if anyone would have been out on this busy bypass anyway, especially without a sidewalk. As I came to the end of that road, I could see where snow had blown over the edge of the road just a little bit. Sure enough, there were footprints. You could tell by the distance between the impressions on the ground that these were not walking footprints, but those of a runner. Someone had just been there before me. Running just like me.
We have the story of Christ's birth and his time at the temple when he was pre-teen, then nothing until he began his ministry at the age of thirty. For twenty years God walked among us and told no one who he was. I have often wondered, why? Why keep it a secret? From age 10 to 30 he lived, laughed, cried, and loved incognito. He experienced what it is like to lose a tooth, skin a knee, play games, have a party, lose a loved one. He ate, slept, studied, worked.
No matter what path we are on, someone has gone before us. When we experience something amazing, like the birth of a child, or a job well done, we are not the first. If we are in the midst of sorrow and trials, someone has already been through it. I think that is part of the reason Jesus kept quite. He has been here and done that. I find relief in knowing that he has gone ahead of me and tried the waters. I find comfort in knowing that my savior lived 30 years on this planet and has felt the way I feel. I find peace in knowing that he can speak to me in whatever circumstance I find myself, because he knows where I'm coming from.
I'm glad he has been here before me. Living just like me. Leaving his footprints for me.
I woke up early this morning to get my run in, but my belly did not cooperate. Curse you Chex Mix!!! The holidays can be so rough on your exercise routine. This morning I was afraid to stray from the house, if you know what I mean. I had only laid out winter running clothes, which meant if I were to run on the treadmill, I would have to go back into my bedroom, root through my drawers, wake up Cathy..... I to save my marriage and lay on the couch for an hour. In order to run today, I would have to do it after work.
Bonus!! It snowed. First real good snow of the season. I love running in the snow. It is so beautiful when everything is covered in white. By the time I got home, we had about 1 & 1/2 inches on the grass. Quickly, I changed into my running gear and headed out. The sidewalks where covered and you could see where people had been walking. Footprints mixed with paw prints. Somebody probably had just walked their dog. There where lots of tracks. So many people had been out enjoying the new fallen snow.
Once I got off the sidewalk in town and onto the shoulder of our city's bypass, I could no longer see the footprints. The county boys had salted the streets and none of the white stuff was to be seen on the main roads or the shoulder. I doubt if anyone would have been out on this busy bypass anyway, especially without a sidewalk. As I came to the end of that road, I could see where snow had blown over the edge of the road just a little bit. Sure enough, there were footprints. You could tell by the distance between the impressions on the ground that these were not walking footprints, but those of a runner. Someone had just been there before me. Running just like me.
We have the story of Christ's birth and his time at the temple when he was pre-teen, then nothing until he began his ministry at the age of thirty. For twenty years God walked among us and told no one who he was. I have often wondered, why? Why keep it a secret? From age 10 to 30 he lived, laughed, cried, and loved incognito. He experienced what it is like to lose a tooth, skin a knee, play games, have a party, lose a loved one. He ate, slept, studied, worked.
No matter what path we are on, someone has gone before us. When we experience something amazing, like the birth of a child, or a job well done, we are not the first. If we are in the midst of sorrow and trials, someone has already been through it. I think that is part of the reason Jesus kept quite. He has been here and done that. I find relief in knowing that he has gone ahead of me and tried the waters. I find comfort in knowing that my savior lived 30 years on this planet and has felt the way I feel. I find peace in knowing that he can speak to me in whatever circumstance I find myself, because he knows where I'm coming from.
I'm glad he has been here before me. Living just like me. Leaving his footprints for me.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
"You must be crazy....."
I love posting on Facebook right before I run in bad weather. Snow, sleet, rain, wind, super wind, a mixture of all the above, that's the kind of environmental hazards I'm talking about. Whenever I alert my friends that I'm heading out into an epic battle between "Heat Mizer" and "Cold Mizer" (look it up if you don't know who they are), I get all kinds of intresting remarks. Tonight was no different. Here are just a few of the responses I have received over the past couple months, tonight included.
"I want to sit in a chair when it rains outside"
"I'm in the hot tub"
"I prefer to be fat and warm"
"I'm going to eat Oreos while wrapped in my snuggie"
"Better put lead weights in your shoes or you'll end up in Oz"
"Your Crazy...but we already knew that"
I guess it does seem a little crazy to most people, that someone would leave the comfort of their home on a rainy, cold, dark night to run 4 miles. I can see why people would call me obsessed, consumed, blindly devoted. The reason they think these things is not that they have anything against me..... or running for the matter. They just dont get it. Running doesnt make any sense to them. Tonight while running I kept thinking about the people that passed me on the road in their nice cozy vehicles. "Look at that nut job, running in this mess," "What kind of screwball would be out on a night like tonight?" "That guy should have his head examined." I'm sure those conversations went on as I trudged along the side of the road.
Well, I keep telling everyone about my experiences with running. I let folks know how it helps me keep fit, physically, mentally, and spirtually and then they can decide if they want to try it or not. Who cares if they think I'm a little bit radical.
Can you imagine what Jesus's friends would have put on his Facebook, if he posted..."Getting ready to talk all day to a crowd of over 5,000 people without enough food to go around"..... What do you think they would have said?
"I think Ill just sit in my chair"
"I'm gonna hang out here where its comfortable"
"I am eating oreos while wrapped in my snuggie"
"You must be crazy...but we already knew that"
Isnt it funny how what we consider radical, Christ considered comman place. Give everything you have to the poor. Quit your job and follow me. Take up your bed and walk. If your enemy takes your shirt, give him your jacket too. Go feed these 5000 with this little kids lunch.
God calls us to be uncommon, to do strange things. He has wild things planned for us, but most of us just write it off as outlandish. Of course it's outlandish!! He has called me to go to Haiti in January, now that is crazy. What is he calling you to do? Dont worry if most people dont get it. Just keep telling them your story and let them decide for themselves. Who cares if they think youre a little bit radical. You must be crazy...but we already knew that.
"I want to sit in a chair when it rains outside"
"I'm in the hot tub"
"I prefer to be fat and warm"
"I'm going to eat Oreos while wrapped in my snuggie"
"Better put lead weights in your shoes or you'll end up in Oz"
"Your Crazy...but we already knew that"
I guess it does seem a little crazy to most people, that someone would leave the comfort of their home on a rainy, cold, dark night to run 4 miles. I can see why people would call me obsessed, consumed, blindly devoted. The reason they think these things is not that they have anything against me..... or running for the matter. They just dont get it. Running doesnt make any sense to them. Tonight while running I kept thinking about the people that passed me on the road in their nice cozy vehicles. "Look at that nut job, running in this mess," "What kind of screwball would be out on a night like tonight?" "That guy should have his head examined." I'm sure those conversations went on as I trudged along the side of the road.
Well, I keep telling everyone about my experiences with running. I let folks know how it helps me keep fit, physically, mentally, and spirtually and then they can decide if they want to try it or not. Who cares if they think I'm a little bit radical.
Can you imagine what Jesus's friends would have put on his Facebook, if he posted..."Getting ready to talk all day to a crowd of over 5,000 people without enough food to go around"..... What do you think they would have said?
"I think Ill just sit in my chair"
"I'm gonna hang out here where its comfortable"
"I am eating oreos while wrapped in my snuggie"
"You must be crazy...but we already knew that"
Isnt it funny how what we consider radical, Christ considered comman place. Give everything you have to the poor. Quit your job and follow me. Take up your bed and walk. If your enemy takes your shirt, give him your jacket too. Go feed these 5000 with this little kids lunch.
God calls us to be uncommon, to do strange things. He has wild things planned for us, but most of us just write it off as outlandish. Of course it's outlandish!! He has called me to go to Haiti in January, now that is crazy. What is he calling you to do? Dont worry if most people dont get it. Just keep telling them your story and let them decide for themselves. Who cares if they think youre a little bit radical. You must be crazy...but we already knew that.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
"Where the sidewalk ends...."
Today was a fun day. I got to run in a different town. I think it's fun for me because it new and different, sort of like opening a gift and having no idea whats inside the box. When I run in my home town, I sort of put things on cruise. One minute I'm at mile 1, then next minute I'm at mile 4 and can't remember what happened in between. Have you ever done something like that? Have you ever been so wrapped up in the familiar that time disappears? You look at the clock and then look back again to find that an hour had vanished. Sixty minutes lost forever. This morning was different.
I wanted to get in four miles, so I checked my handy dandy phone and mapped out a route that I thought would be close to my goal. I dressed for the weather, took my Garmin to measure the distance, and my phone....just in case. As I headed out, the breeze was cool, about 35 degrees. My right calf muscle ached (all because of goofing around two days before with the kiddos). My pace was right on target. Quickly, however, I stopped thinking about the normal stuff and began paying extra attention to my surroundings. There was a lot of traffic, more so than I am used to, but there was a nice shoulder to run on. I felt very safe. I turned down the second of five roads I would be on and the traffic was gone. Not only that, but a perfect sidewalk. The next turn, the same....nice. I started thinking about the temperature, pace, leg again, until I got ready to turn onto Royal Oaks Blvd.
Royal Oaks Blvd is up hill all the way. This would be a widow maker at the end of any race. Not only that, but it has some super curves. But the killer is...NO sidewalk or shoulder. I realized that I could either turn around and go back the way I had come or tackle it head on. I must admit that I was a little concerned and apprehensive but I decided to complete the route.
This little piece of the course was less than a mile, yet it was the most interesting. I did have to jump into the grass a couple of times. I almost slipped on the frost covered ground. I got a little winded and had to drop my pace a bit. But it was fun. I don't know how to explain it. It was different. It was challenging. It was difficult. It was an adventure. It was worth it.
God wants to take us on a journey. He gives us a route to follow, but most would rather stay on the sidewalk. It could be dangerous on the road. We don't like traffic. We like to see around the bend. Not knowing whats over the hill worries us. There is too much risk. The sidewalk is safe. I don't have to worry about the other people on the road. I can just run and never have to think about my surroundings. The sidewalk is safe.... and boring.
I'm finding out that stepping off that sidewalk and following God where ever he leads me is the best decision I can ever make. Give it a try. You'll see. It's different. It's challenging. It's difficult. It's an adventure. It is so worth it.
I wanted to get in four miles, so I checked my handy dandy phone and mapped out a route that I thought would be close to my goal. I dressed for the weather, took my Garmin to measure the distance, and my phone....just in case. As I headed out, the breeze was cool, about 35 degrees. My right calf muscle ached (all because of goofing around two days before with the kiddos). My pace was right on target. Quickly, however, I stopped thinking about the normal stuff and began paying extra attention to my surroundings. There was a lot of traffic, more so than I am used to, but there was a nice shoulder to run on. I felt very safe. I turned down the second of five roads I would be on and the traffic was gone. Not only that, but a perfect sidewalk. The next turn, the same....nice. I started thinking about the temperature, pace, leg again, until I got ready to turn onto Royal Oaks Blvd.
Royal Oaks Blvd is up hill all the way. This would be a widow maker at the end of any race. Not only that, but it has some super curves. But the killer is...NO sidewalk or shoulder. I realized that I could either turn around and go back the way I had come or tackle it head on. I must admit that I was a little concerned and apprehensive but I decided to complete the route.
This little piece of the course was less than a mile, yet it was the most interesting. I did have to jump into the grass a couple of times. I almost slipped on the frost covered ground. I got a little winded and had to drop my pace a bit. But it was fun. I don't know how to explain it. It was different. It was challenging. It was difficult. It was an adventure. It was worth it.
God wants to take us on a journey. He gives us a route to follow, but most would rather stay on the sidewalk. It could be dangerous on the road. We don't like traffic. We like to see around the bend. Not knowing whats over the hill worries us. There is too much risk. The sidewalk is safe. I don't have to worry about the other people on the road. I can just run and never have to think about my surroundings. The sidewalk is safe.... and boring.
I'm finding out that stepping off that sidewalk and following God where ever he leads me is the best decision I can ever make. Give it a try. You'll see. It's different. It's challenging. It's difficult. It's an adventure. It is so worth it.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends
-Shel Silverstein
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Running in the Unfamiliar
Running in another town always makes me nervous. When I hit the road here at home it seems so easy. I can run 20 miles around my town and know where each mile marker is, even the 1/2 mile mark. I know where I will be at any given time. I can leave water or sports drink along my route and be guaranteed that it will be there undisturbed. I know which roads to go on and which ones to stay away from. People drive by, they know me and honk or wave. Running in my hometown is so familiar.
This week I am traveling. What to take with me? OK, so its going to be cold. I have to pack for 2 running days, Thursday and Saturday. I feel like Noah, 2 pairs of everything. Tights, gloves, socks, shirt, ear warmer-band thingies. One jacket, One pullover. Cant forget my phone holder (always carry it in a foreign land) and ear buds. Must take my Garmin forerunner, because I will have no idea how far a mile will be. Shoes, of course.
Whoa, I'm a little worried. Running in a place where no one knows me. I'm not familiar with the area. Which roads are safe to run on, which ones are dangerous. Will there be hills or straight stretches? How is traffic? Are drivers attentive or will it be like Death Race 2000? I hope the weather man gets it right or I will have the wrong clothes.
Being a Christian in the familiar is easy. There is no risk. I find myself putting my life on cruise control. How I respond to new challenges, that is where my true character is revealed. In unknown territory it can be a little frightening. I become uneasy when I get thrown into places where I don't know the path. God truly calls us to go to foreign lands. I don't necessarily mean Haiti or Africa. I mean places we have never gone before; opening your home to someone, giving more than you can afford, selling your prized possessions, working on your marriage, feeding the hungry, writing a blog...
Living out my faith in these places shows my true level of commitment to Christ. I think it requires more trust in him. You see I don't know the territory. He knows it. He knows which roads to go down and what the lay of the land is like. He knows what's around the corner and whether it will rain or shine.
Its sort of liberating if you think about it. I don't have to know what my path will look like because he has laid it out. He knows what I'll need and what I don't. He's got my back. I think I'll let him pack my bag.
This week I am traveling. What to take with me? OK, so its going to be cold. I have to pack for 2 running days, Thursday and Saturday. I feel like Noah, 2 pairs of everything. Tights, gloves, socks, shirt, ear warmer-band thingies. One jacket, One pullover. Cant forget my phone holder (always carry it in a foreign land) and ear buds. Must take my Garmin forerunner, because I will have no idea how far a mile will be. Shoes, of course.
Whoa, I'm a little worried. Running in a place where no one knows me. I'm not familiar with the area. Which roads are safe to run on, which ones are dangerous. Will there be hills or straight stretches? How is traffic? Are drivers attentive or will it be like Death Race 2000? I hope the weather man gets it right or I will have the wrong clothes.
Being a Christian in the familiar is easy. There is no risk. I find myself putting my life on cruise control. How I respond to new challenges, that is where my true character is revealed. In unknown territory it can be a little frightening. I become uneasy when I get thrown into places where I don't know the path. God truly calls us to go to foreign lands. I don't necessarily mean Haiti or Africa. I mean places we have never gone before; opening your home to someone, giving more than you can afford, selling your prized possessions, working on your marriage, feeding the hungry, writing a blog...
Living out my faith in these places shows my true level of commitment to Christ. I think it requires more trust in him. You see I don't know the territory. He knows it. He knows which roads to go down and what the lay of the land is like. He knows what's around the corner and whether it will rain or shine.
Its sort of liberating if you think about it. I don't have to know what my path will look like because he has laid it out. He knows what I'll need and what I don't. He's got my back. I think I'll let him pack my bag.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
"Off the wagon"
"Next time, Nate, you and I will split this. You take one piece of chicken, I'll take the other. I can choose one side and you can choose the other. I can't finish this." "Well you did have a donut and two biscuits." "I had one and a half biscuits." "Your daddy is off the wagon, Nate."
"Off the wagon?" Can you believe she said that about me? "Off the wagon." Granted I only ran twice this week. The weather was terrible and I have been totally exhausted. So tired. Now we have a guest at the house. Getting up early has become virtually impossible for me. But "off the wagon", come on. I realize I may have eaten poorly this week. I have been really hungry and everything has been so tasty. Homemade pizza....Yummmm. Fast food. And, I mean for real, a cookie jar filled with double stuff oreos. What am I supposed to do? But "off the wagon" seems so harsh.
I'm still a runner. Aren't I?
This week running has been on the back burner. I have let everything going on in my life dictate the amount of effort I apply to my training, or lack of training. I have given in to my appetite and my drowsiness. I have given my running my leftovers. I guess I have gone "off the wagon".
The good thing is... Tomorrow is another day. A new beginning. A chance to start over. I can decide right now, to get back on the "wagon" and I will. I love to run and will get my butt in gear. I will get up early, eat right, and hit the road.
I think I may have spiritually gone "off the wagon". I am attending church and working in the youth ministry. Maybe I'm still on the "wagon". I even dressed up as Zacheaus for the 4th and 5th graders. Surely, I'm still on the wagon. I am even attending small group meetings.....but still I feel like I may be "off the wagon". I'm not giving my all to him. I'm not listening for his voice or reading his word like I should. I am going throughout my day and thinking about Christ as an after thought. I am feasting on things for myself and giving him my leftovers. My leftover talents, leftover time, leftover thoughts, leftover love, leftover energy, leftover everything. Yep...Off the wagon.
The good thing is...Tomorrow is another day. A new beginning. A chance to start over. I can decide right now, to get back on the "wagon" and I will. I love to follow him and will get my butt in gear. I will listen, love, and act as he asks. I can't wait to hit the road with him. He cant wait to hit the road with me.
Guess what, his wagon is big enough for all of us.
"Off the wagon?" Can you believe she said that about me? "Off the wagon." Granted I only ran twice this week. The weather was terrible and I have been totally exhausted. So tired. Now we have a guest at the house. Getting up early has become virtually impossible for me. But "off the wagon", come on. I realize I may have eaten poorly this week. I have been really hungry and everything has been so tasty. Homemade pizza....Yummmm. Fast food. And, I mean for real, a cookie jar filled with double stuff oreos. What am I supposed to do? But "off the wagon" seems so harsh.
I'm still a runner. Aren't I?
This week running has been on the back burner. I have let everything going on in my life dictate the amount of effort I apply to my training, or lack of training. I have given in to my appetite and my drowsiness. I have given my running my leftovers. I guess I have gone "off the wagon".
The good thing is... Tomorrow is another day. A new beginning. A chance to start over. I can decide right now, to get back on the "wagon" and I will. I love to run and will get my butt in gear. I will get up early, eat right, and hit the road.
I think I may have spiritually gone "off the wagon". I am attending church and working in the youth ministry. Maybe I'm still on the "wagon". I even dressed up as Zacheaus for the 4th and 5th graders. Surely, I'm still on the wagon. I am even attending small group meetings.....but still I feel like I may be "off the wagon". I'm not giving my all to him. I'm not listening for his voice or reading his word like I should. I am going throughout my day and thinking about Christ as an after thought. I am feasting on things for myself and giving him my leftovers. My leftover talents, leftover time, leftover thoughts, leftover love, leftover energy, leftover everything. Yep...Off the wagon.
The good thing is...Tomorrow is another day. A new beginning. A chance to start over. I can decide right now, to get back on the "wagon" and I will. I love to follow him and will get my butt in gear. I will listen, love, and act as he asks. I can't wait to hit the road with him. He cant wait to hit the road with me.
Guess what, his wagon is big enough for all of us.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Distractions
Let me set the stage. Wind 30-40mph with gust to 60mph. 9:00pm. Intermittent rain. Dark, wet, windy.
OK God, I am staying focused. I am ready to hear you speak to me. I will stay alert. It's bad out here. Whoa..there goes a garbage can. I am listening. The leaves are flying in my face. What do you want to tell me tonight? Watch out!!! That falling branch almost hit me. I wont let these things distract me. I am still listening. The street signs are banging against each other. Speak to me Lord. The wind is so powerful, it's hard to move forward. I have to keep my head up. Why can't I hear your voice tonight? I am trying so hard to keep this lousy weather from blocking you out. Crap, it's raining now. Don't you want to teach me tonight? My phone is going off. More branches on the sidewalk, must run around them. My heart and ears are open, let me sense you. The traffic lights are swaying so much. I hope they don't fall when I run under them. God!!! I am here!! The wind is terrible. I have continually called out to you to give me a word and you won't answer!! I have fought against all these distractions. I have been in the midst of this storm running and have kept my ears and eyes open to what you want to teach me, but you don't respond. The leaves are slippery. Show we were you are tonight.
and then He whispers.
I speak to you all day long, but you don't listen for my voice. Use the same resolve to hear me as you go about your everyday. I am speaking and working all around you all the time. Why just try to hear from me when you run? I have things to show you minute by minute. Granted, life can throw some serious distractions at you, but that doesn't change the fact that I am continuing to call to you. Pay attention. Open your eyes. Look around. Keep your head up. Watch out for that garbage can.
OK God, I am staying focused. I am ready to hear you speak to me. I will stay alert. It's bad out here. Whoa..there goes a garbage can. I am listening. The leaves are flying in my face. What do you want to tell me tonight? Watch out!!! That falling branch almost hit me. I wont let these things distract me. I am still listening. The street signs are banging against each other. Speak to me Lord. The wind is so powerful, it's hard to move forward. I have to keep my head up. Why can't I hear your voice tonight? I am trying so hard to keep this lousy weather from blocking you out. Crap, it's raining now. Don't you want to teach me tonight? My phone is going off. More branches on the sidewalk, must run around them. My heart and ears are open, let me sense you. The traffic lights are swaying so much. I hope they don't fall when I run under them. God!!! I am here!! The wind is terrible. I have continually called out to you to give me a word and you won't answer!! I have fought against all these distractions. I have been in the midst of this storm running and have kept my ears and eyes open to what you want to teach me, but you don't respond. The leaves are slippery. Show we were you are tonight.
and then He whispers.
I speak to you all day long, but you don't listen for my voice. Use the same resolve to hear me as you go about your everyday. I am speaking and working all around you all the time. Why just try to hear from me when you run? I have things to show you minute by minute. Granted, life can throw some serious distractions at you, but that doesn't change the fact that I am continuing to call to you. Pay attention. Open your eyes. Look around. Keep your head up. Watch out for that garbage can.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A bump in the night
Last night I got ready for my early morning Tuesday run. I checked my handy-dandy Weather Channel app on my iPhone to see what I was getting myself into. 42 degrees with a 30% chance of rain, sounded like fun. No seriously, most of the time I love running in the rain. Not all the time, mind you. I think I just like being able to tell people ..."Yeah I ran this morning. 5 miles in the pouring rain. It's no big deal." I know, I know...a little horn tootage going on. Toot, toot!
I got my t-shirt,socks and tights (Superman would be proud) out of the drawer. Had to remember where I put my running jacket. I knew it had just been washed, maybe it was in the dryer..No. Where, where, oh.. it was in the same drawer as my other clothes. I had to make sure that my head lamp was still working, the battery is going dead. Found my reflective thingy, so I wont get hit by some crazy driver. What shoes should I wear? I know they'll get soaked. Its alright they will dry. I go with my newest pair (which by the way needs replaced). Lay all this stuff by the bed so when the alarm goes off, I can grab it and head downstairs.
The alarm went off at 4:55. I turned it off, laid there for about a minute, and then...a noise. My wife immediately awoke..."Did you hear that?" I think I did, not sure, it is 4:55 in the morning. Then it happened again. A noise or a bump in the night. I sprang from the bed and stood in the hall. Was it coming from the kids rooms? Was it the dog? As I stood there in the darkness and silence, I knew there would be no running this morning. The sound never repeated. I checked the kids rooms. They were fine. I checked on the dog. Grizz was fine.
I asked my wife, "Hey, do you want me to come back to bed?" I knew what the answer would be. I gladly got back under the covers. The unexplained noise is not so spooky with someone by your side.
The planning the night before...all for naught. Checking the weather. No need. Finding the clothes, choosing shoes, checking the batteries. Waste of time. Setting the alarm. Useless. But, I did enjoy the extra hour and 25 minutes of sleep. It was nice being wanted. "Thank you for staying with me, I love you" was the response I got at 6:20am, when the alarm went off again. Really, I think I liked the way the morning played out more so than running in the rain and darkness, by myself. Anyway I can get my run in this evening.
Many times I plan the way my life is going to go. I have a picture in my mind of how everything is going to work out. I take an inventory of all my pluses and minuses. Just like in the movie, Princess Bride. "What are our liabilities?" "There is but one working castle gate, and it is guarded by 60 men." "And our assets?" "Your brains, Fezzik's strength, my steel." It's never enough, so I play it safe and freak out if something changes.
What throws me, is that most of the time God has a different plan. I get ready to do my thing and then there's a noise, a bump in the night.... I am stopped in my tracks. A door opens, another closes. Where I live, what career to follow, who to marry, how to handle my children...my plans thrown out the window. All that I had put in motion, derailed. No, not derailed, but re-railed. He puts my life on the track that he has decided for me. You know what, my life is better for it. It may seem an absolute hassle at the time, occasionally painful, but hindsight truly is 20/20. It's always beneficial. I love hearing him say, "Well done my faithful servant."
The bumps in the night are not the boogey man, but usually blessings in disguise.
I got my t-shirt,socks and tights (Superman would be proud) out of the drawer. Had to remember where I put my running jacket. I knew it had just been washed, maybe it was in the dryer..No. Where, where, oh.. it was in the same drawer as my other clothes. I had to make sure that my head lamp was still working, the battery is going dead. Found my reflective thingy, so I wont get hit by some crazy driver. What shoes should I wear? I know they'll get soaked. Its alright they will dry. I go with my newest pair (which by the way needs replaced). Lay all this stuff by the bed so when the alarm goes off, I can grab it and head downstairs.
The alarm went off at 4:55. I turned it off, laid there for about a minute, and then...a noise. My wife immediately awoke..."Did you hear that?" I think I did, not sure, it is 4:55 in the morning. Then it happened again. A noise or a bump in the night. I sprang from the bed and stood in the hall. Was it coming from the kids rooms? Was it the dog? As I stood there in the darkness and silence, I knew there would be no running this morning. The sound never repeated. I checked the kids rooms. They were fine. I checked on the dog. Grizz was fine.
I asked my wife, "Hey, do you want me to come back to bed?" I knew what the answer would be. I gladly got back under the covers. The unexplained noise is not so spooky with someone by your side.
The planning the night before...all for naught. Checking the weather. No need. Finding the clothes, choosing shoes, checking the batteries. Waste of time. Setting the alarm. Useless. But, I did enjoy the extra hour and 25 minutes of sleep. It was nice being wanted. "Thank you for staying with me, I love you" was the response I got at 6:20am, when the alarm went off again. Really, I think I liked the way the morning played out more so than running in the rain and darkness, by myself. Anyway I can get my run in this evening.
Many times I plan the way my life is going to go. I have a picture in my mind of how everything is going to work out. I take an inventory of all my pluses and minuses. Just like in the movie, Princess Bride. "What are our liabilities?" "There is but one working castle gate, and it is guarded by 60 men." "And our assets?" "Your brains, Fezzik's strength, my steel." It's never enough, so I play it safe and freak out if something changes.
What throws me, is that most of the time God has a different plan. I get ready to do my thing and then there's a noise, a bump in the night.... I am stopped in my tracks. A door opens, another closes. Where I live, what career to follow, who to marry, how to handle my children...my plans thrown out the window. All that I had put in motion, derailed. No, not derailed, but re-railed. He puts my life on the track that he has decided for me. You know what, my life is better for it. It may seem an absolute hassle at the time, occasionally painful, but hindsight truly is 20/20. It's always beneficial. I love hearing him say, "Well done my faithful servant."
The bumps in the night are not the boogey man, but usually blessings in disguise.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Lottery
I completed my first race in May 2005. My sister and I ran the Flying Pig Half-Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio. If anyone wants to pick a 1/2 to do, I wholeheartedly suggest this one. Granted, I am partially biased, because I was born and reared right across the river, but this half and full are fantastic fun. Anyway... Just four months before, my sister had convinced me to start taking running seriously and train for this 13 mile foot race. I accepted her challenge and together we finished in 2 hours and 20 minutes. What a blast. I was now officially hooked. Running had taken hold of me and has yet to let go.
After the race was over (about 30 minutes) my sister turned to me and asked if I'd like to run the New York Marathon in November. Seriously? You see, this is how runners think. "When is my next race?" Well, without thinking I immediately said..."Sure." I had just agreed to run a 26.2 mile race in 6 months. Up until that point the most I had ever ran at one times was 13 miles, 30 minutes before.
Oh....and apparently there was a catch. You see my sister went on to inform me that unless you are an "elite runner," which of course I am not, you have to put your name in a lottery to get chosen. It's sort of like the power ball for runners. She told me that she and four of her marathon buddies were putting their names in and I would have to do the same.
So we all signed up for the lottery and awaited the names to be posted on the ING New York Marathon website. The day came. We all logged on to find out that of the 5 marathoners and 1 newbie who applied only the newbie was chosen. Me!! The guy who just started running got picked. I had never, ever, ever ran more than 13 miles in a row ever. The other five had multiple marathons under their belts. I thought for sure one of them would get the nod, not me. You have got to be kidding me. Surely someone screwed up. I was undeserving, incapable, and nowhere near ready. I was scared.
Today has been a very hard day for me.
Not because of my running, which by the way, was again on the treadmill, but because of what my God keeps putting in front of me. I feel uneasy, disturbed, and uncomfortable. I find myself just tearing up thinking about what he has in store for me and my family and not necessarily out of joy, but rather apprehension. I mean, why me? What you have planned for me is beyond me. I can't do it. I'm not very good at this Christian thing. Heck, a lot of the time I fall off the wagon. I am not mature enough. I really am not the right person for the job. Pick someone else. You must have made a mistake. There are a lot of other people out there that deserve this, that can handle this, that are prepared for this. I am not worthy, capable, or ready... I am scared.
Man.....Guess I won the lottery....What am I going to do with this?
After the race was over (about 30 minutes) my sister turned to me and asked if I'd like to run the New York Marathon in November. Seriously? You see, this is how runners think. "When is my next race?" Well, without thinking I immediately said..."Sure." I had just agreed to run a 26.2 mile race in 6 months. Up until that point the most I had ever ran at one times was 13 miles, 30 minutes before.
Oh....and apparently there was a catch. You see my sister went on to inform me that unless you are an "elite runner," which of course I am not, you have to put your name in a lottery to get chosen. It's sort of like the power ball for runners. She told me that she and four of her marathon buddies were putting their names in and I would have to do the same.
So we all signed up for the lottery and awaited the names to be posted on the ING New York Marathon website. The day came. We all logged on to find out that of the 5 marathoners and 1 newbie who applied only the newbie was chosen. Me!! The guy who just started running got picked. I had never, ever, ever ran more than 13 miles in a row ever. The other five had multiple marathons under their belts. I thought for sure one of them would get the nod, not me. You have got to be kidding me. Surely someone screwed up. I was undeserving, incapable, and nowhere near ready. I was scared.
Today has been a very hard day for me.
Not because of my running, which by the way, was again on the treadmill, but because of what my God keeps putting in front of me. I feel uneasy, disturbed, and uncomfortable. I find myself just tearing up thinking about what he has in store for me and my family and not necessarily out of joy, but rather apprehension. I mean, why me? What you have planned for me is beyond me. I can't do it. I'm not very good at this Christian thing. Heck, a lot of the time I fall off the wagon. I am not mature enough. I really am not the right person for the job. Pick someone else. You must have made a mistake. There are a lot of other people out there that deserve this, that can handle this, that are prepared for this. I am not worthy, capable, or ready... I am scared.
Man.....Guess I won the lottery....What am I going to do with this?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The "Dreadmill"
Today is day 2 of 3 in a row stuck on the treadmill. The first day was my fault. I slept in and had to run in the evening, late, after sundown, when the monsters come out. For some reason running in the pitch black morning doesn't bother me at all. Night time,however, that's a different story. I have to treadmill it today and tomorrow because its just me and my little man at home. The rest of the gang is away and I cant go out running and leave the big guy by himself, unless of course I want social services at my house or the fire department.
A lot of folks enjoy the treadmill. You stay out of the cold, wind, rain, heat, snow... Most people watch television. "If I want to run or walk for 30 minutes, I watch a 30 minute TV show and the time goes by so much quicker." It's just you, your remote control, A/C, and your stable environment. Not so for me. I live in an old house where noises carry. If I were to turn up the TV loud enough to hear it, the entire house would wake up. Plus, its in the basement... I get to stare at concrete while I run. The most I have ever run on a treadmill is 14 miles, at 6 miles an hour. That is 2 hours and 20 minutes staring at concrete...the same view, the same speed, the same slope, the same air, the same hum of the motor, the same, the same, the same........
Monotonous, mundane, humdrum, boring, routine, the same, the same.. That is what treadmill means to me. One day I posted on Facebook that I had logged 6 miles on that wicked device and a friend of mine referred to it as the "Dreadmill." I love that picture. For me that is exactly what it is. Dread....
It is so difficult for me to get excited about running on the treadmill. Most days I jump out of bed to go hit the road, but on treadmill days, I just want to eat junk food and lay on the couch. The sad thing is that I know those days are just as important to my fitness and training as any other day. As the beautiful spring day running outdoors, when the sun comes up, the air is brisk, and the flowers are blooming. As the awesome winter morning, with the snow falling, deserted roads, and icicles on the phone lines. BUT THE TREADMILL IS SO BORING!!!
It is so hard to live a Godly life in the monotonous, mundane, humdrum, boring routine of everyday. I find it easy to cling to God in the amazing and the terrible. In the birth of a child, love of a spouse, a hard fought victory. In the death of a loved one, unrelenting illness, loss of a job. I see God's power and witness his compassion in the peaks and valleys of this crazy life. It's on the flat, unending road when I struggle. Taking kids to school, washing dishes, getting groceries, sweeping the floor, going to work, mowing the grass, that's when I stop experiencing him. Not because he's not there, but because I lose focus. I start staring at the wall and just run, just get it over with. I want to have the same enthusiasm in the mundane as I do in the amazing. These days are just as important to my spiritual health as any other day.
I must stay focused. Not on the concrete wall, but on the face of him who gives me this life.
Ps. I do have one cool treadmill experience... Last year in Mexico, I went to the hotels exercise room and all the treadmills were taken. I had to wait for one to open up. Eventually this guy finishes, wipes down the machine and says "Here you go." For all you UK fans, it was Coach Cal. Let it be known... I run farther and faster than he does... just sayin'
A lot of folks enjoy the treadmill. You stay out of the cold, wind, rain, heat, snow... Most people watch television. "If I want to run or walk for 30 minutes, I watch a 30 minute TV show and the time goes by so much quicker." It's just you, your remote control, A/C, and your stable environment. Not so for me. I live in an old house where noises carry. If I were to turn up the TV loud enough to hear it, the entire house would wake up. Plus, its in the basement... I get to stare at concrete while I run. The most I have ever run on a treadmill is 14 miles, at 6 miles an hour. That is 2 hours and 20 minutes staring at concrete...the same view, the same speed, the same slope, the same air, the same hum of the motor, the same, the same, the same........
Monotonous, mundane, humdrum, boring, routine, the same, the same.. That is what treadmill means to me. One day I posted on Facebook that I had logged 6 miles on that wicked device and a friend of mine referred to it as the "Dreadmill." I love that picture. For me that is exactly what it is. Dread....
It is so difficult for me to get excited about running on the treadmill. Most days I jump out of bed to go hit the road, but on treadmill days, I just want to eat junk food and lay on the couch. The sad thing is that I know those days are just as important to my fitness and training as any other day. As the beautiful spring day running outdoors, when the sun comes up, the air is brisk, and the flowers are blooming. As the awesome winter morning, with the snow falling, deserted roads, and icicles on the phone lines. BUT THE TREADMILL IS SO BORING!!!
It is so hard to live a Godly life in the monotonous, mundane, humdrum, boring routine of everyday. I find it easy to cling to God in the amazing and the terrible. In the birth of a child, love of a spouse, a hard fought victory. In the death of a loved one, unrelenting illness, loss of a job. I see God's power and witness his compassion in the peaks and valleys of this crazy life. It's on the flat, unending road when I struggle. Taking kids to school, washing dishes, getting groceries, sweeping the floor, going to work, mowing the grass, that's when I stop experiencing him. Not because he's not there, but because I lose focus. I start staring at the wall and just run, just get it over with. I want to have the same enthusiasm in the mundane as I do in the amazing. These days are just as important to my spiritual health as any other day.
I must stay focused. Not on the concrete wall, but on the face of him who gives me this life.
Ps. I do have one cool treadmill experience... Last year in Mexico, I went to the hotels exercise room and all the treadmills were taken. I had to wait for one to open up. Eventually this guy finishes, wipes down the machine and says "Here you go." For all you UK fans, it was Coach Cal. Let it be known... I run farther and faster than he does... just sayin'
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Run in Red Part 2
"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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." The Apostle Paul
So often the Christian life is referred to as a "race." Regular life is hard enough without our relationship with God being a grueling marathon, but fact remains that our existence is a hard fought race. For those of you who haven't figured it out by now, I consider myself a follower of Jesus Christ. Now, I'm not apologizing if that turns some of you away from reading my blog. I do ask that you try to be open minded. There is so much you can learn about your spiritual life from some "nobody's" insight on running. Why? Because...Life truly is a race.
I have decided to run my race in line with the teachings of Christ. In doing that, I have had to realize a couple of things.
First of all, I had to come to an understanding that I have screwed up in this life. That part was easy mostly because I reaffirm that statement daily (sometimes hourly). I mean we all goof up, right? Whether small or large, we all do wrong things we shouldn't and we all know it.
Second, was I had to believe in Jesus.. Now that is a little trickier. I mean, what does "believe in Jesus" really mean? Most people who follow the teachings of Christ do so because they were raised to do it and I used to fall into that category. Not anymore. I have read the word of God (I challenge you to do it), and believe it to be true. I believe that the almighty creator made this place to be a paradise, but we have screwed it up and ruined his perfect plan. I understand that in screwing it up we introduced death into this world. I realize that since we all have messed up we cant commune with God anymore and deserve death. I trust in the scripture that says that Jesus came to this planet and lived a blameless life and therefore didn't deserve death...but we killed him anyway. I also believe that he willingly let his blood be spilled so that he could take our place on deaths bed....But he conquered death, rose again and sits in heaven as my advocate to God. Now I can commune with God again.
Lastly, I had to let people know what I know. That can be even harder than the first two. Fear can grip a person when they allow themselves to be vulnerable. The world thinks most of us are freaks and nut jobs. We all want people to like us. What will my friends, family, colleagues think of me if they find out I am a "Jesus Freak"? What will I forfeit on this earth because I stand up for what I believe. Am I man enough to step forward and tell it like it is no matter the outcome...
Well, this is why I am writing this blog. This is how I can tell my story. God talks to me when I run, because the analogy is true. Life is a race. He gives meaning to his word in the little things that I experience when my feet hit the pavement. That is why I run in red.
This may sound gruesome, but I truly believe in the saving power of the blood of Jesus. Without it there would be just death. With it there is life and life abundant. Just as the Israelites, when in Egypt, covered their doors on Passover night with the blood of the lamb, so have I marked my life with the evidence of the lamb of God's sacrifice in my life. I want to live my life marked. I want to run my race covered with the blood of the Christ.
I choose to Run in Red.
So often the Christian life is referred to as a "race." Regular life is hard enough without our relationship with God being a grueling marathon, but fact remains that our existence is a hard fought race. For those of you who haven't figured it out by now, I consider myself a follower of Jesus Christ. Now, I'm not apologizing if that turns some of you away from reading my blog. I do ask that you try to be open minded. There is so much you can learn about your spiritual life from some "nobody's" insight on running. Why? Because...Life truly is a race.
I have decided to run my race in line with the teachings of Christ. In doing that, I have had to realize a couple of things.
First of all, I had to come to an understanding that I have screwed up in this life. That part was easy mostly because I reaffirm that statement daily (sometimes hourly). I mean we all goof up, right? Whether small or large, we all do wrong things we shouldn't and we all know it.
Second, was I had to believe in Jesus.. Now that is a little trickier. I mean, what does "believe in Jesus" really mean? Most people who follow the teachings of Christ do so because they were raised to do it and I used to fall into that category. Not anymore. I have read the word of God (I challenge you to do it), and believe it to be true. I believe that the almighty creator made this place to be a paradise, but we have screwed it up and ruined his perfect plan. I understand that in screwing it up we introduced death into this world. I realize that since we all have messed up we cant commune with God anymore and deserve death. I trust in the scripture that says that Jesus came to this planet and lived a blameless life and therefore didn't deserve death...but we killed him anyway. I also believe that he willingly let his blood be spilled so that he could take our place on deaths bed....But he conquered death, rose again and sits in heaven as my advocate to God. Now I can commune with God again.
Lastly, I had to let people know what I know. That can be even harder than the first two. Fear can grip a person when they allow themselves to be vulnerable. The world thinks most of us are freaks and nut jobs. We all want people to like us. What will my friends, family, colleagues think of me if they find out I am a "Jesus Freak"? What will I forfeit on this earth because I stand up for what I believe. Am I man enough to step forward and tell it like it is no matter the outcome...
Well, this is why I am writing this blog. This is how I can tell my story. God talks to me when I run, because the analogy is true. Life is a race. He gives meaning to his word in the little things that I experience when my feet hit the pavement. That is why I run in red.
This may sound gruesome, but I truly believe in the saving power of the blood of Jesus. Without it there would be just death. With it there is life and life abundant. Just as the Israelites, when in Egypt, covered their doors on Passover night with the blood of the lamb, so have I marked my life with the evidence of the lamb of God's sacrifice in my life. I want to live my life marked. I want to run my race covered with the blood of the Christ.
I choose to Run in Red.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Run in Red, part 1
"Success has a color, and the color is red. In fact, a recent study confirms previous reports that athletes wearing red uniforms win competitions more often than opponents dressed in other colors."... The Annals of Sports Psychology 2008
Really? I couldn't believe it. Does wearing the color red really give you an edge when competing? During the 2004 Olympics, scientists randomly assigned red and blue clothing to competitors. What they discovered was that when opponents where equally matched in fitness and skill, the athlete wearing red was more likely to win. From 1947 to 2003 the red wearing soccer teams from England's Premier League had a disproportionately higher rate of both winning home games and the championship than any other color. Is this the reason Tiger is always seen in a certain color on Sundays?
Researchers point out that "red fur, plumage, skin" is linked to higher testosterone levels, fitness, and aggression in animals. It also has a psychological affect on all involved, including referees!!! 42 experienced Tae-kwondo referees where shown 11 fight sequences depicting opponents in red and blue. The same refs were shown the same sequences with the uniform colors digitally switched. On average, athletes scored 13 percent more points when wearing red instead of blue. Not only does the color hype you up and scare your opponent, but the zebras love it!!!
I want to do my best when I run, especially on race day. I read up on running (a lot), train hard (for the most part), get good sleep (half the time), eat right (rarely). I roll out of bed at the butt-crack of dawn, get yelled at, chased by animals, dodge inattentive drivers, sweat, ache, freeze, sacrifice all to run my fastest and longest and bestest. We all want to be really good at something. For some it comes natural, for some it comes easy, for others (like myself) it requires grit, determination, and willingness to push ones self almost to the breaking point. If changing my clothes can make me a little bit faster, why wouldn't I do it?
I have decided to run in red.
Really? I couldn't believe it. Does wearing the color red really give you an edge when competing? During the 2004 Olympics, scientists randomly assigned red and blue clothing to competitors. What they discovered was that when opponents where equally matched in fitness and skill, the athlete wearing red was more likely to win. From 1947 to 2003 the red wearing soccer teams from England's Premier League had a disproportionately higher rate of both winning home games and the championship than any other color. Is this the reason Tiger is always seen in a certain color on Sundays?
Researchers point out that "red fur, plumage, skin" is linked to higher testosterone levels, fitness, and aggression in animals. It also has a psychological affect on all involved, including referees!!! 42 experienced Tae-kwondo referees where shown 11 fight sequences depicting opponents in red and blue. The same refs were shown the same sequences with the uniform colors digitally switched. On average, athletes scored 13 percent more points when wearing red instead of blue. Not only does the color hype you up and scare your opponent, but the zebras love it!!!
I want to do my best when I run, especially on race day. I read up on running (a lot), train hard (for the most part), get good sleep (half the time), eat right (rarely). I roll out of bed at the butt-crack of dawn, get yelled at, chased by animals, dodge inattentive drivers, sweat, ache, freeze, sacrifice all to run my fastest and longest and bestest. We all want to be really good at something. For some it comes natural, for some it comes easy, for others (like myself) it requires grit, determination, and willingness to push ones self almost to the breaking point. If changing my clothes can make me a little bit faster, why wouldn't I do it?
I have decided to run in red.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Running with my eyes closed
Today was the first day in a while that I have run at a temperature below freezing (26degrees). It's really the first day of fall that felt like winter. So cold that the leaves on my neighbors ginkgo tree fell off in about 8 hours covering the bottom of the driveway with little yellow leaves. I like heading out in the morning when its good and cold a lot better than when its stinking hot. I really struggle to run in the heat, I think partly because I'm a little heavier than I should be. Also, I don't drink a lot of water. I drink quite a bit of pop (Diet Ale-8 to be specific, a local soft drink). Dehydration plays a significant part in my inability to finish strong in the summer. This morning was going to be a breeze.
False.
I hurt in my calves (gastrocnemius for you anatomy folks) not 20 feet from my house and I had 31,660 feet to go. Man was I in for a tough run. Usually when I start to struggle during a run, I start to think about my family. Mostly I think about my wife. I focus on her love for me, her sense of humor, her features, her touch, her wit, everything and anything about her. This keeps my mind off the fact that I am in pain or despair. It shifts my attention. I become less aware of how far I have come and how far I have to go. Before I know it, I have climbed the hill, turned the corner, cut the distance to only 2,560 feet. It's easy for me to think of her, because we are with each other every day and every night. We talk on the phone, text, laugh, cry, tease, disagree on a daily basis. I truly don't know what my day would look like without her voice in my head and face in my heart..... Yet I feel bad for focusing on her when I run.
Shouldn't I focus on God? I should. It is so difficult to shift my attention to him not because I haven't experienced him, but because I can't touch him. I want to talk, laugh, cry, disagree with him every day and every night. I want to feel his love for me, see his sense of humor, his touch, everything and anything about him, yet God can be so abstract.. I thought this over a lot this morning as I ran and kept coming back to the same thing.. God keeps telling me, "I am here, just open your eyes." "I am present in the falling leaves, in your wife's touch, in the cold fall air. "Listen to my voice in the lyrics of the song, or the words of the saint." "I am all around you." "Just open your eyes."
To often I run with my eyes closed.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
No more..."I'm Sorry"
I have never had to apologize for another runner. Runners root for everyone. We see the potential in every person. We want to encourage each individual to give running a try. We don't sugar coat it, but we honestly put out the best invitation we can by being truthful, encouraging, and sincere about the sport. Just today, Cathy, my wife, was talking to a member of our community who happens to be a runner. This lady told my wife that she saw something today while she was running...Cathy immediately interrupted her with.."I ran 1 mile today!" The runner applauded her effort, not belittling the fact that it was only 1 mile. Cath told her it was all she could do to go 1 mile. The long time runner lifted Cathy up, by telling her that little by little you will be able to go farther. You will get faster. Its just great that you are trying. No condemnation, just truthful, encouraging, and sincere. That's the way all the runners I have come in contact with would have responded. I have never had to say I'm sorry for a fellow runner.
Step up on the soap box.
I am getting sick of having to apologize for Christians... Or should I say people who call themselves Christians. By definition a Christian is a person who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. What does that mean? Theologically speaking....we could go on for days about that. I know it does mean, loving your neighbor as yourself. Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. All the 10 commandments are kinda wrapped up in those two statements. Not stealing, lying, cheating, etc..... Well I'm getting tired of being accosted by non-believers because someone who claims to be a Christ follower continually shows something to the contrary by the way they live their life.
Being a follower of Christ is a radical thing, but most of us don't want to be labeled a radical. We just call ourselves Christians, and go about our day like nothing has ever changed. We wear a cross necklace or put a fish on the back of our car. Might even write something profound on social sites so everyone will know what we are.
Stop it. Take up running....running the race God has laid before you. Listen to what he says and do it. Just do it. If you don't, you're not a runner. Just a poser. I'm not saying "I'm sorry" for you anymore.
Brennan Manning said it best "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians. Who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Step up on the soap box.
I am getting sick of having to apologize for Christians... Or should I say people who call themselves Christians. By definition a Christian is a person who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. What does that mean? Theologically speaking....we could go on for days about that. I know it does mean, loving your neighbor as yourself. Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. All the 10 commandments are kinda wrapped up in those two statements. Not stealing, lying, cheating, etc..... Well I'm getting tired of being accosted by non-believers because someone who claims to be a Christ follower continually shows something to the contrary by the way they live their life.
Being a follower of Christ is a radical thing, but most of us don't want to be labeled a radical. We just call ourselves Christians, and go about our day like nothing has ever changed. We wear a cross necklace or put a fish on the back of our car. Might even write something profound on social sites so everyone will know what we are.
Stop it. Take up running....running the race God has laid before you. Listen to what he says and do it. Just do it. If you don't, you're not a runner. Just a poser. I'm not saying "I'm sorry" for you anymore.
Brennan Manning said it best "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians. Who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Big Words
I didn't realize that running has its own language.
Lactate threshold, Fartleks, Fast-Twitch, Tempo-runs, VO2max, singlet, blah, blah, blah. It took me 3 issues of Runners World magazine just to find out what PR stood for. By the way my PR is 4:30, my personal record. The first time I went to buy running shoes (which is an experience in itself), I was asked if I need motion control, stability, or some other type of shoe. What??? Do I overpronate, supinate, or some other nate?.. I just wanted a pair of shoes. I didn't know I would need a dictionary.
Running can be intimidating enough, without having to know a secret code. I felt belittled, almost stupid, because, for the longest time, I couldn't carry on a "runners conversation." It would go something like this.."Hey are you incorporating any Fartleks or Temp-runs in the midst of you training? You know it can really increase your lactate threshold." I would respond in my best caveman voice, "Me go run now..."
When I try to be an ambassador for running, I try to leave out all the technical jargon and just keep it simple. Most people don't like big words.
Redemption, Sanctification, resurrection, immaculate conception, repentance, revelation, testimony... Just like in running these are important, yet confusing to the "non-runner." I don't like big words.
Being a Christ-follower can be intimidating enough without having to know a secret code. Keep it simple. I love the scripture after Jesus heals this guy who hasn't been able to see since birth. The religious leaders try to say that Jesus sinned by healing this guy, so they bring the blind man into court. Now this fellow isn't some learned religious scholar, just a plain man who experienced God in his life. I love what he tells the leaders..."I don't know if this Jesus is a sinner or not. One thing I do know is that I was blind, but know I can see." Pretty simple. Works for me.
Lactate threshold, Fartleks, Fast-Twitch, Tempo-runs, VO2max, singlet, blah, blah, blah. It took me 3 issues of Runners World magazine just to find out what PR stood for. By the way my PR is 4:30, my personal record. The first time I went to buy running shoes (which is an experience in itself), I was asked if I need motion control, stability, or some other type of shoe. What??? Do I overpronate, supinate, or some other nate?.. I just wanted a pair of shoes. I didn't know I would need a dictionary.
Running can be intimidating enough, without having to know a secret code. I felt belittled, almost stupid, because, for the longest time, I couldn't carry on a "runners conversation." It would go something like this.."Hey are you incorporating any Fartleks or Temp-runs in the midst of you training? You know it can really increase your lactate threshold." I would respond in my best caveman voice, "Me go run now..."
When I try to be an ambassador for running, I try to leave out all the technical jargon and just keep it simple. Most people don't like big words.
Redemption, Sanctification, resurrection, immaculate conception, repentance, revelation, testimony... Just like in running these are important, yet confusing to the "non-runner." I don't like big words.
Being a Christ-follower can be intimidating enough without having to know a secret code. Keep it simple. I love the scripture after Jesus heals this guy who hasn't been able to see since birth. The religious leaders try to say that Jesus sinned by healing this guy, so they bring the blind man into court. Now this fellow isn't some learned religious scholar, just a plain man who experienced God in his life. I love what he tells the leaders..."I don't know if this Jesus is a sinner or not. One thing I do know is that I was blind, but know I can see." Pretty simple. Works for me.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Just because
I miss my dad. He passed away suddenly in a motorcycle accident a year ago, and I miss him everyday. As a child growing up he taught me many things, one of which was a love for all genres of music. Rock-n-roll, country, bluegrass, jazz, classical. Tonight I ran with my headphones in, listening to Tony winning lyrics and harmonies that my father had played for me when I was very young. You probably wont believe me, but I have the double album set of the original Broadway cast of "Jesus Christ, Superstar." Now...don't go judging me. I know some may call this sacrilegious and I forgive you. This was one of my dad's prized possessions. This music stirs me.
As I ran, I thought. Thought about Jesus' resolve. The anguish in his cries to heaven. The loneliness from everyone he loved turning their backs on him...even his father. The suffering he endured..no way around it. I thought, what have I done to deserve his grace in my life? What have I done to warrant him taking my sin upon his back just so I could be free from its weight on mine? I know...nothing.
He does it, just because. My dad used to say that too. Why did you get that toy for me? Just because. Why did you take that extra side job? Just because. Why did you suffer through death? Just because. Just because, I love you.
My iPhone stopped tonight on "Mary's song" and it has a line that says.."I don't know how to love him." That is so true. Its hard for me to get my head around God's love. He does what he does just because he loves us. Just because.
As I ran, I thought. Thought about Jesus' resolve. The anguish in his cries to heaven. The loneliness from everyone he loved turning their backs on him...even his father. The suffering he endured..no way around it. I thought, what have I done to deserve his grace in my life? What have I done to warrant him taking my sin upon his back just so I could be free from its weight on mine? I know...nothing.
He does it, just because. My dad used to say that too. Why did you get that toy for me? Just because. Why did you take that extra side job? Just because. Why did you suffer through death? Just because. Just because, I love you.
My iPhone stopped tonight on "Mary's song" and it has a line that says.."I don't know how to love him." That is so true. Its hard for me to get my head around God's love. He does what he does just because he loves us. Just because.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sleeping in
I over slept this morning...Oops.. I must have turned off the alarm by mistake. I have a clock that allows me to set two alarms; one for me, one for my wife. If the 5:00am wake up call chimed, I must have hit the "do not disturb" button. I did hear the 5:40am alarm, but by that time, it's to late to get my run in before the kids get up and the day takes off.
Maybe tonight I'll run... Probably not... I always tell myself, "Get up and run before everyone needs something." Usually in the evening when I get home, everyone needs something.
Is missing one day gonna kill me? No, its not. Does this give me permission to skip anytime I just don't feel like getting up? No, it does not.
I think I will just forgive myself for screwing up, learn from my mistake, and work towards not letting this happen again. Sound familiar.
I think Jesus is a runner.
Maybe tonight I'll run... Probably not... I always tell myself, "Get up and run before everyone needs something." Usually in the evening when I get home, everyone needs something.
Is missing one day gonna kill me? No, its not. Does this give me permission to skip anytime I just don't feel like getting up? No, it does not.
I think I will just forgive myself for screwing up, learn from my mistake, and work towards not letting this happen again. Sound familiar.
I think Jesus is a runner.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
One step at a time
Gotta make a doctors appointment for today, small group at 10am, have to make quesidillas for school party, have lunch at school with son, pick up daughter from school, take to ballet, pick up son from leadership program, son and I have hair cuts at 5pm, buy dry ice for church party, pick up 40 apples at store, deliver medicine to three people, volunteer at church from 6:30 to 8, sew costume for son, breathe, breathe, breathe....
As I leave the house this morning in total darkness, with my head lamp and reflective gear, all I can focus on is what has to be done today. It's my day off. I pray that my mind will stay tuned to what God wants to show me this morning, but my thoughts continue to fly back to all that has piled up on my plate. I am overwhelmed and I am beginning to be smothered. I feel like I am suffocating. How am I going to get this all accomplished? What if the doctor wont see her today? Is that a person up ahead of me? Will they even sell me dry ice? What did I just step over? Am I going to be late for the haircut appointment? How am I going to keep the food hot for the party?
My head lamp just catches the next 10 to 15 feet in front of me, yet I continue to go on, knowing that it is safe up ahead. I have run this route a hundred times before. I could do it in the dark.... I am doing it in the dark. I have been here before. God tells me,He has been here before. I don't need to see a mile down the road, only the next couple of steps, because he has run this route before. He tells me that his word is a lamp for my feet. Only my feet. He just brightens the path. Put one foot in front of the other. He promises to shed his light where my feet fall, one step at a time.
As I leave the house this morning in total darkness, with my head lamp and reflective gear, all I can focus on is what has to be done today. It's my day off. I pray that my mind will stay tuned to what God wants to show me this morning, but my thoughts continue to fly back to all that has piled up on my plate. I am overwhelmed and I am beginning to be smothered. I feel like I am suffocating. How am I going to get this all accomplished? What if the doctor wont see her today? Is that a person up ahead of me? Will they even sell me dry ice? What did I just step over? Am I going to be late for the haircut appointment? How am I going to keep the food hot for the party?
My head lamp just catches the next 10 to 15 feet in front of me, yet I continue to go on, knowing that it is safe up ahead. I have run this route a hundred times before. I could do it in the dark.... I am doing it in the dark. I have been here before. God tells me,He has been here before. I don't need to see a mile down the road, only the next couple of steps, because he has run this route before. He tells me that his word is a lamp for my feet. Only my feet. He just brightens the path. Put one foot in front of the other. He promises to shed his light where my feet fall, one step at a time.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
They just dont get it
Why in the world would someone get up at 4:30am to run in the wind and rain? What are you thinking, devoting 16 weeks of your life training for a race you have no chance of winning? Are you serious? You spend how much money on running shoes? How many times a year?
Most people just don't get it. They don't understand why I run. Some folks have an idea or theory, but very few know the whole story. So stick with me.... January 1, 2005 i weighed 200lb, getting ready to turn 37, overweight, unable to play around with my kids without losing my breath. I decided that if I wanted to be an effective husband and dad, I was going to have to get in better shape; the fact that my father had a heart attack at age 40 always hung in the back of my mind. I started walking every day and trying to eat right. My sister invited me to run a half-marathon early May of that year. I accepted. She provided me with the training material I needed. 5 months and 40 lbs later, we ran the Flying Pig 1/2 marathon. I guess the bottom line is, I started running to avoid an unfulfilling life and an untimely death.
In the past 5 years, my reasons for running have changed. Now, I truly enjoy it. I don't fear an early heart attack anymore, instead my life has more energy. My attitude is better. I work out my problems on the road, thinking about yesterday, today, and tomorrow, before most people crawl out of bed. I want everyone to feel this way. Feeling the success that comes from the struggle and persistence. But sadly, few people will ever dare to lace up those shoes and step out the door.
Memorial day, 1989, while mowing my mom and dads yard, God talked to me. He knew that I was not satisfied with my life and that I wanted more than just going to college and existing. He invited me to join him on a journey that would change my life. I accepted. He provided me with everything I would need to succeed, his word, his presence. Three months later I returned to college ready to run the race set before me. I guess the bottom line is, I started this journey to avoid having a lousy life and eternity in Hell.
In the past 21 years, my reasons for accepting God's challenge have changed. Now, I truly enjoy it. I don't fear Hell anymore, instead I await Heaven. My attitude is better. I work out my problems with Gods help while most people just lay in their misery. I want everyone to feel the way I do. Feeling the peace, joy, and love from a continuing relationship with the most powerful being in the universe. But sadly, few people will ever dare to accept his invitation.
Why in the world would you volunteer 2 nights a week with a bunch of crazy kids? Why would you give away over 10% of all the money you make? Are you serious? Why would you spend the rest of your entire life following the teachings of some guy who walked this earth 2000 years ago? They don't understand why I follow him. Most people just don't get it.
Most people just don't get it. They don't understand why I run. Some folks have an idea or theory, but very few know the whole story. So stick with me.... January 1, 2005 i weighed 200lb, getting ready to turn 37, overweight, unable to play around with my kids without losing my breath. I decided that if I wanted to be an effective husband and dad, I was going to have to get in better shape; the fact that my father had a heart attack at age 40 always hung in the back of my mind. I started walking every day and trying to eat right. My sister invited me to run a half-marathon early May of that year. I accepted. She provided me with the training material I needed. 5 months and 40 lbs later, we ran the Flying Pig 1/2 marathon. I guess the bottom line is, I started running to avoid an unfulfilling life and an untimely death.
In the past 5 years, my reasons for running have changed. Now, I truly enjoy it. I don't fear an early heart attack anymore, instead my life has more energy. My attitude is better. I work out my problems on the road, thinking about yesterday, today, and tomorrow, before most people crawl out of bed. I want everyone to feel this way. Feeling the success that comes from the struggle and persistence. But sadly, few people will ever dare to lace up those shoes and step out the door.
Memorial day, 1989, while mowing my mom and dads yard, God talked to me. He knew that I was not satisfied with my life and that I wanted more than just going to college and existing. He invited me to join him on a journey that would change my life. I accepted. He provided me with everything I would need to succeed, his word, his presence. Three months later I returned to college ready to run the race set before me. I guess the bottom line is, I started this journey to avoid having a lousy life and eternity in Hell.
In the past 21 years, my reasons for accepting God's challenge have changed. Now, I truly enjoy it. I don't fear Hell anymore, instead I await Heaven. My attitude is better. I work out my problems with Gods help while most people just lay in their misery. I want everyone to feel the way I do. Feeling the peace, joy, and love from a continuing relationship with the most powerful being in the universe. But sadly, few people will ever dare to accept his invitation.
Why in the world would you volunteer 2 nights a week with a bunch of crazy kids? Why would you give away over 10% of all the money you make? Are you serious? Why would you spend the rest of your entire life following the teachings of some guy who walked this earth 2000 years ago? They don't understand why I follow him. Most people just don't get it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Drop some weight
I'm not skinny. By American standards, however, I'm at a fairly good weight. Still, I need to shed at least 20 to 30 pounds. I know, I know, those of you who know me, may think I'm crazy, but the extra pounds truly affect how you run. For every pound you loose, you knock off 1 second off your mile time. Let's do some simple math... If I ran a marathon in 5 hours at 180lbs, that is the equivalent of 11min, 27 seconds per mile. If I were to loose 30 pounds, (get down to 150-my ideal weight) that would reduce my mile time to 10mins,59 seconds or....a marathon in 4hr,47min,40secs. You might not appreciate that difference, but 13 mins off a marathon could mean qualifying for the big dog..Boston!! Yeah, I gotta drop some pounds.
Do this for me. Fill up a backpack with 30 pounds of weights in it and keep it on all day. Think about it. How would that feel? Would it affect your work, sleep, diet? Carrying around that extra burden not only affects your physical health but mental health as well. If you could leave that backpack on for a week and then take it off, imagine how freeing that would be. To have 30 pounds lifted off you in a moment...you would stand up taller, breath better, feel stronger, lighter, brighter.
All my life I seem to want to hold on to some sort burden. Whether it be anger, discontent, disappointment, or some sin that I think is not really that bad, I refuse to give it up. Why? God tells us to cast our burdens onto him because he cares for us.
Imagine how much better we would walk, care, love if we would free ourselves of that weight. Instantly becoming stronger, taller, lighter, brighter. When we lose weight it usually takes a while and we often forget what it felt like when we where heavier. We have visible evidence, like pictures or baggy clothes, but the feeling often gets muffled and lost. Toss your burdens off and don't forget where you've come from and where you have arrived. That 1 second every mile adds up in the long run.
Do this for me. Fill up a backpack with 30 pounds of weights in it and keep it on all day. Think about it. How would that feel? Would it affect your work, sleep, diet? Carrying around that extra burden not only affects your physical health but mental health as well. If you could leave that backpack on for a week and then take it off, imagine how freeing that would be. To have 30 pounds lifted off you in a moment...you would stand up taller, breath better, feel stronger, lighter, brighter.
All my life I seem to want to hold on to some sort burden. Whether it be anger, discontent, disappointment, or some sin that I think is not really that bad, I refuse to give it up. Why? God tells us to cast our burdens onto him because he cares for us.
Imagine how much better we would walk, care, love if we would free ourselves of that weight. Instantly becoming stronger, taller, lighter, brighter. When we lose weight it usually takes a while and we often forget what it felt like when we where heavier. We have visible evidence, like pictures or baggy clothes, but the feeling often gets muffled and lost. Toss your burdens off and don't forget where you've come from and where you have arrived. That 1 second every mile adds up in the long run.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
How do you do it?
So, I am determined to do better, much better, at my next marathon. I started back running this week after taking a week off to recover from my disaster on 10/10. There is a 5 week mileage build-up plan that I have used in the past, that I decided to use to ease back into it. This week I have run 3 miles on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
What do I do after I build my mileage back up? Where do I find the answers? There are books, Internet articles, (even blogs), chat rooms, magazines all devoted to helping people become better runners. I feel somewhat overwhelmed. What method do I use to get faster? When it comes to weight training, what exercises should I do...not only that but how many repetitions, with how much weight, how may times a week, for which muscle groups? I just want to scream. There is so much information that I have been flooded almost to inaction.
It's sort of like letting my 9 year old get a pack of gum at the store. There are so many choices that he gets frozen in the possibilities. Come on!!! Just pick a pack of gum already!!!
Recently I have been involved in a small group study about a book called "Crazy Love," by Francis Chan. Don't read it. He let's us know that there is no such thing as a "lukewarm christian". It has overwhelmed me much in the same way as this running thing. The author asks us to take a serious look at our devotion to God. Are we giving God leftovers? Do we truly love him? In examining my spiritual life I have come to the conclusion that I have not been giving my best. I really need to put my faith into action. The question becomes...How do I do it? Where do I begin? What is right? I feel frightened almost to inaction. I am frozen in the possibilities.
How do you do it? Where do you begin? These are not trivial questions, but rather eternity changing challenges. Luckily, you only have to go to one place for the answers. I will begin by re-reading my bible as if I have never read it before, like a 12 year old, and move when he calls. Just like running....I will do it.
What do I do after I build my mileage back up? Where do I find the answers? There are books, Internet articles, (even blogs), chat rooms, magazines all devoted to helping people become better runners. I feel somewhat overwhelmed. What method do I use to get faster? When it comes to weight training, what exercises should I do...not only that but how many repetitions, with how much weight, how may times a week, for which muscle groups? I just want to scream. There is so much information that I have been flooded almost to inaction.
It's sort of like letting my 9 year old get a pack of gum at the store. There are so many choices that he gets frozen in the possibilities. Come on!!! Just pick a pack of gum already!!!
Recently I have been involved in a small group study about a book called "Crazy Love," by Francis Chan. Don't read it. He let's us know that there is no such thing as a "lukewarm christian". It has overwhelmed me much in the same way as this running thing. The author asks us to take a serious look at our devotion to God. Are we giving God leftovers? Do we truly love him? In examining my spiritual life I have come to the conclusion that I have not been giving my best. I really need to put my faith into action. The question becomes...How do I do it? Where do I begin? What is right? I feel frightened almost to inaction. I am frozen in the possibilities.
How do you do it? Where do you begin? These are not trivial questions, but rather eternity changing challenges. Luckily, you only have to go to one place for the answers. I will begin by re-reading my bible as if I have never read it before, like a 12 year old, and move when he calls. Just like running....I will do it.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Is "just finishing" good enough?
I have been content in my running. I have been content to logging my miles religiously, following a plan set out by experts. Just running with the goal of finishing. Wow.....a goal of just finishing. Well, I finished the Steamtown Marathon on 10/10/10, however I am far from satisfied. Everyone seems so apologetic..."At least you finished, I could never do that." Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate their support and concern, but "just finishing" is not what I'm in this for. Not any more.
What if we treated our spititual walk the same way I have been treating my marathon training? Our spiritual life has been equated to "running a race." Am I, are we, content in just finishing? There is more to running than finishing. You have to log miles (which I do without fail), but you also have to weight train, stretch, eat right, do core excersices.....etc...(all of which I dont even begin to do). I want to finish my next race knowing that I did everything I could to finish strong, harder, faster, better. I feel that in my spiritual life, I have been content in "logging my miles." I dont want to to that anymore either. We need to put our faith into action, excersice our faith, study, share, work...... I want to finish this race knowing that I put everything out there. I want to finsh strong, win the prize, and be told "Well done" not "at least you finished."
What if we treated our spititual walk the same way I have been treating my marathon training? Our spiritual life has been equated to "running a race." Am I, are we, content in just finishing? There is more to running than finishing. You have to log miles (which I do without fail), but you also have to weight train, stretch, eat right, do core excersices.....etc...(all of which I dont even begin to do). I want to finish my next race knowing that I did everything I could to finish strong, harder, faster, better. I feel that in my spiritual life, I have been content in "logging my miles." I dont want to to that anymore either. We need to put our faith into action, excersice our faith, study, share, work...... I want to finish this race knowing that I put everything out there. I want to finsh strong, win the prize, and be told "Well done" not "at least you finished."
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Never Forget...
I don't want to forget how miserable I felt last Sunday during my marathon. How exhausted, how angry, how devastated.... a failure. Yes I finished, but I can and will do better. I will be faster, stronger, and committed.
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