Streaking into the New Year!

Streaking into the New Year

 

Now that I have your attention, how about these numbers? 

 

41

745

18351

Each represents a streak that I have been on recently. 

 

41 - days of running at least 1 mile a day.  Over those forty one days I have run over 160 miles.  This was done as a result of a Runner’s World Magazine challenge to run at least a mile every day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Those streaks were designed to help me stay in shape during the holiday season and not neglect my physical fitness.  But as Paul wrote to Timothy:

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8

So: 

745 - days of reading the Bible – at least 4 chapters per day. 

 

 

If you want to get to know someone you need to spend time with them.  If you want to know God more you need to spend time with Him.  Two years ago I challenged myself to read the Bible in a year.  I started using a reading plan (The One Year Bible) that makes me read every day,  and I have not missed a day since.  I’ve come to cherish that time each day.  Many of you have read the verses I’ve shared each day on Facebook (every day for at least the past 366 days) as I strive to find at least 1 take away for my life each day.  

18352 - days of breathing.  Okay, some of you have me beat in this area,  but you will have to agree that breathing is pretty important and that this streak is very essential – not one you would want to stop.  Why?  Because your very own life depends on it!  You wouldn’t think of stopping that streak.

Now reading the Bible each day – or running each day, may not be as essential as breathing,  but spiritual and physical fitness are essential to us as we continue to breathe each day and strive to live as God intended. 

My running streak stops tomorrow at 42 – but I will still run 4 to 5 times a week.  I hope my Bible reading streak never stops. 

So my challenge to you for 2013 is to read the Bible each day – maybe start with just a chapter each day – and strive to get to know God better this year.  The One Year Bible is available on Kindle and the YouVersion Bible App has several good plans.   If you need to add some physical fitness to you day – try starting with walking a little bit each day (at least 4/5 times a week) – one step at a time. 

And let me know how you’re doing.   I’ve been encouraged as more and more people have been posting what they read in the Bible on Facebook.  (Please don’t let my posts be your only source of spiritual nourishment!) 

Blessings to you in 2013!

Run On!

Thanksgiving

Ok

Many people have been writing about what they are thankful for this year – and I too have many things that come to mind.  So here are a few things I am thankful for:

-  So great a salvation (Hebrews 9:27-28)

-     A wife who loves God, loves me and loves our children

-      My children - their energy, enthusiasm, love

-      For “Kids-Eat-Free” Wednesdays at Skyline Chili

-      A job that I enjoy going to every day – that provides for my family’s needs and allows us to occasionally bless others

-      That my kids get to read missionary biographies at school and learn that God’s Word can be trusted (and also learn math, history, science) – and I am also madly in love with their teacher.

-      For healthy knees to run – really – a few years ago I was told by a physician’s assistant that I’d never run marathons again – and I ran 2 this year!

-      For the couple that rent our house and faithfully pay their rent on time

-      For our new house – and that my kids enjoy getting outside more

-      For new friends from Vermont – though I wish the circumstances by which we met were different – and thanks for taking great care of my sister-in-law!

-      For my church family

-      For the small group that meets in our house – as we learn and strive to raise godly kids together – and eat lots of pizza!

-      For the guys that meet at the church on Wednesday night and at McDonalds Friday morning – for the encouragement I get as we study God’s Word together and push each other to be men of the Word.

-       For the Christians around the world who stand up for Christ in the face of all kinds of opposition and persecution. 

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Colossians 3:16

Now off to run the Turkey Trot 5 miler!

Happy Thanksgiving – and keep running!

Ready?

Tomorrow I’ll be running the Columbus Marathon.

The day before the marathon is usually filled with lots of thoughts.  “Why in the world did I sign up for this?  (It did seem like a good idea 4 months ago!)  Did I prepare enough?  Am I ready?  Can I go the distance?”   

For the past 4 months, finishing a marathon has been the focus of my training – every workout, every mile had a purpose.   There were times when I’d be out on the road at five in the morning because I knew that would be the only time I could get my training in before the other activities of the day took over.  Some days the miles were easy, others … not so much. 

The benefits of my training have been many – better health, stress relief, time to focus and reflect as I ran.  I have to admit I like it when people ask me how far I ran that day and I can say “Only 5 miles!”  It’s great to look back and see how far I have come. 

But am I ready?  Tomorrow I’ll find out.

For those that follow me know that I have posted a scripture on my Facebook page almost every day for the past 2 years.  These posts are a result of trying to stay consistent in my spiritual training – preparing for the race that God has called each of us to run.  But unlike a physical marathon – we need to ask ourselves each day “am I ready? Have I been training well? Can I go the distance?  For each of us our race is different- and we don’t know what is around the corner so we need to constantly be prepared. 

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8

So What's Your Excuse?

Luke 14:16-20 (NLT)

Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.  When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’  But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’  Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’

One day this week I ran with an unmatched pair of socks.  Didn’t bother me any though I’m sure my sister would have been disturbed :).    I must have packed my running gear in the dark because when I got to work that’s all I had.   No one seemed to notice while I was running – though at around mile 2 some rabbits gave me a curious look.  By mile 5 I’m sure both socks looked the same anyway.

So why the fuss?  I know some people who would probably use that as an excuse not to run today – “I can’t run, my socks don’t match – and the only other pair I have has the same problem!  Maybe tomorrow will work out better.”  You know the type – and if you’re anything like me you’ve pulled an excuse a time or two – maybe not for running – but for something else – like maybe praying – or reading your Bible – or going to church “Looks like rain – we can’t go out in that!” or “I was up to late last night and my hair is a mess!”. 

The race doesn’t get run with excuses!  Yes, there are days to cancel a training run – a broken foot for example, or the flue, and I won’t run in a thunderstorm – but rain is fine.  Bottom line – if we really want to do something we will find a way.  On the flip side, if I haven’t missed an episode of my favorite TV show in months but have trouble finding time to read the Bible what might that show about what I want to do?

So avoid the excuses, lace up the shoes (whether physical or spiritual), and get out there!

Columbus Training Update – Ran 35 miles last week culminating with an 18 mile run Saturday morning.  I felt great during the midweek runs – actually running faster than I have in many years.  The move to the country has made me explore new running routes and due to the dark country roads I have near running more near my work place over lunchtime.  So I’ve been running more in the hotter part of the day and my new routes have been hillier.  Hopefully that pays off in October.  

Apparently, It's Hereditary

I went to the cardiologist yesterday.  Not because I was feeling bad.  In fact, I’ve been feeling pretty good lately.  I went because of my dad.  You see, apparently he passed on some bad genes.  He had heart trouble in his 50’s – bypass surgery when he was 58.  In the last year, both my brothers, in their early 50s, have experienced heart problems.  Almost 6 months ago my brother Greg passed away as a result – my older brother (only by 2 years) recently underwent quadruple bypass surgery.  So off to the cardiologist I go (I am 50).  Fortunately all my blood work and tests to this point have been good, very good.  My cardiologist told me that based on that I have less than a 2% chance of a heart attack in the next 5 years – but there is family history to consider.  So next week I will have a coronary artery calcium scan to add one more data point.  And even after that  I will need to be watchful for the rest of my life – as will my birth children and my nephews and nieces.

Apparently heart disease is hereditary.  Many years ago, Adam (yes, a real person, and ancestor to us all) sinned and passed on heart disease to all of us.  We may not all experience the same symptoms, and some may believe they are not in trouble at all.  But they are – and eventually it will catch up.  Fortunately, God, the great cardiologist, made a way for us to be healed of heart disease.

Romans 5:17 says:

 “ For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

Is it time for you to see the cardiologist?

Never say never

After much thought (but without the result of forming an exploratory committee) I have decided to run this fall.  I have entered the Columbus Marathon which takes place on October 21.  After Pittsburgh I thought that would be my last – but …

Today is Greg’s 52nd birthday – He is spending his birthday in heaven and I miss him dearly.  Greg – we still have a race to run together and I look forward to that day.    I have been amazed at the lives you have touched here on earth and pray that I can make such an impact as well.   

Run On…

What Defines You?

26.2!  

I did it! (though not as fast or with as much finesse as I would have liked).  Over the past year running has been a big part of my life and has been part of what defines me as a person.  If you were asked to talk about me, running would most likely be part of that.

How else would you define me?   Die hard Steeler fan?  Hopefully you would add "Devoted husband and father" and  "Committed follower of Christ"  The definitions you use and the order that you use them say a lot about who I am more than what I can say about myself, because that is what I show to others as being the priorities in my life.  If I said I was a "runner" but all you ever saw me do was eat junk food and sit in front of the TV all day would you believe me?

The early Christians did not just call themselves "Christians".  That was a name given to them by others which meant "little Christs".  People saw Christ in them, in their actions, and defined them as being like Christ.  Wow!

When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)  Acts 11:26

What do they see in me?  or you?

Run On!

By the way – the running isn’t over – and neither is the blog.  Stay tuned for further posts.

The Knees are Strong!

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.  Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Hebrews 12:12-13

I have been wanting to run the Pittsburgh Marathon for a long time.  It’s my home town, has been a popular marathon, and more than once, an Olympic qualifier (not that I’d have a chance, but cool nonetheless).  After finishing my last marathon (the Air Force Marathon) in 2003 I had hoped to run the Pittsburgh Marathon in 2004.  But due to losing its primary sponsor,  it was suspended until 2009.  During that time period, well, life got busy with 3 trips to China and 3 new family members.  So running, obviously,  became less important.  But, in 2009 it was time to train.  I signed up for the Pittsburgh Marathon and began getting ready.  Two months later I was in too much pain to continue training, and based on x-rays and an MRI on my right knee was told that running (and marathons) are not in my future.  The swelling was pretty convincing too.  A few years and many pounds later I was convinced I needed to do something.  Last April (2011), inspired by the running of my brother and his wife, I beseeched (biblical term meaning desperately pleaded!)  the Lord to begin running again and vowed to run to get back in shape unless the knees failed to cooperate.

It is over 1 year and  approximately 1,000 miles later and 3 days before the Pittsburgh Marathon and my knees feel as good as ever!  And God needs to get the glory!

The knees are strong!

These last few months as I’ve trained for the marathon have been some of my most stressful ever.  Losing my brother Greg, who was (and still is) an inspiration for running this marathon was hard to accept.  He looked forward to this upcoming weekend as much, if not more, than me.  He is greatly missed, but I’m sure he is enjoying his new home in heaven.

Work has also been stressful.  During this time I’ve had several members in my department fall ill and have either undergone surgery or soon to have surgery.  One coworker passed away as a complication form surgery.  Not to mention that this is also one of our busiest times of the year. 

In addition there has been numerous church related and kid related activities (soccer, basketball, baseball), partnering with my wife as we (she mostly) began homeschooling), and other family health issues and activities. 

So it has taken quite a bit to get to this point with 26.2 miles yet to run. 

But the knees are strong!

Over the past year I had committed to being in God’s Word, the Bible, every day.  For the past 400 days I have kept that commitment.  On most of those days I have also been faithful to engage God in prayer.  Those times, more that running, has sustained me and kept me going.  I like the Bob Carlisle song that says

“When you see me on my knees, it’s not because I’m weak, I’m getting stronger!”   God has sustained me even in the stressful times.

The knees are strong!

I don’t know what Sunday will be like but I look forward to running with my sister-in-law, Lynn, and niece Shelly. I look forward to running through the neighborhoods of my home city.  I look forward to seeing the smiling faces of my wife and daughters at the finish line.

I look forward to teaching my kids to run with Jesus and how to rely on Him and strengthen their knees and someday cross the finish line and receive the prize as Jesus says “Well done!”.  I look forward to seeing Greg again!

The knees are strong!  Are yours?

Run on!

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers  and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
    as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
    the splendor of our God.

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
    and encourage those who have weak knees.
 Say to those with fearful hearts,
    “Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
    He is coming to save you.”

Fan or Follwer?; Jogger or Runner?

The Long Run

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me".

Luke 9:23

In his book, “Not a Fan”, Kyle Idleman distinguishes between a fan and a follower of Christ.  A key part of that is going from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world…” to Luke 9:23 “take up your cross…”  Being a follower of Christ takes commitment – it takes hardship.  And yes, even though we are promised the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit we still need to step out in faith and do things outside of our comfort level.  Jesus, for instance, had no place to call home.  Many Christians, even today, suffer for their faith.

So what does this have to do with running a marathon?  When a person makes a decision to run a marathon it shouldn't be done lightly.  There is a lot of work involved.  Over the past several months I’ve run in beautifully sunny weather on the beaches in Florida or by the Potomac river near Washington D.C.  I’ve enjoyed sunrise runs on crisp cool Ohio mornings.  I’ve also run in the cold and the rain on mornings I didn’t feel like getting outside – and endured long hard runs on weekend mornings that have the potential for wiping you out the rest of the day. 

We would love it if Christianity was all about the sunny days – the beach runs and beautiful sunrises.  And praise God we get to enjoy all that.  But being a follower of Christ means we need to follow wherever God leads – and sometimes that’s in the cold and the rain.  Sometimes that’s a long 17 mile run on a 20 degree Saturday morning. 

Now here’s the important part.  I choose to do that long run on a Saturday morning because without it I will not reach my goal of finishing the marathon.  Without the training achieved through the long runs, when it comes time to actually run the marathon I will get to about 10 miles (of 26.2) and mumble “Why did I sign up this?  What am I doing here?”  And most likely give up.  You see that in life as well.  When hardship comes, a fan walks away and mumbles “Maybe this Christian thing isn’t working out”. A follower continues on because he’s made the commitment to follow, to endure the hardships as well as enjoy the blessings.  And as we follow Christ and act in obedience to Him He prepares us to face the hard times and come through them. 

Someone once said the difference between a jogger and a runner is turning in a race application.  When you turn in that application you are making a commitment to run the race.  You are no longer a fan, but a follower.

I know I haven’t trained as well as I’ve liked.  I still have one more long run to get in.  But over the past 6 months I’ve logged over 700 miles of running.  And in less than 3 weeks I hope to receive a finisher’s medal for the Pittsburgh Marathon.

 Someday, even more importantly, I hope to hear the words from my Lord and Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Run on!

OK – Who Fartlek'd?

Fartlek - here’s a word that for understandable reasons I don’t use around my kids.  But it can be a pretty useful word if you’re a runner and also running this race called life.  When it comes to running we have fast twitch muscles and slow twitch muscles.  I tend to have more of the slow variety.  To get my body to go faster I need these muscles to get used to going faster.  Make sense?

Now I could just try to get out there and run 3 to 4 miles at my desired speed, and realize about a quarter mile into it that this just isn’t working out.  But we do that all the time, don’t we?  We may decide we want to do more for God – to pick up our pace if you will.  So we jump all in.  We volunteer to teach that toddler Sunday school class, or read 30 minutes of the Bible a day, or spend 10 hours a week volunteering wherever.  And very quickly we realize that we weren’t ready for this, we can’t keep up at the new pace.  We want to improve, add a new ministry, develop a new skill, but just can’t keep up at the new pace.  So we give up. 

Time to fartlek!

The American Heritage defines fartlek as:  An athletic training technique, used especially in running, in which periods of intense effort alternate with periods of less strenuous effort in a continuous workout. An athletic training technique, used especially in running, in which periods of intense effort alternate with periods of less strenuous effort in a continuous workout.

When I fartlek, I’ll start off by running at my usual slow pace for about a mile.  Then for the next couple miles I increase my pace for short periods, maybe a few hundred feet, or 3-4 lamp posts or a couple fire hydrants, then slow back down for to my usual pace to recover for about the same distance and then repeat the cycle.  During those short bursts my body begins to get used to the new pace without getting overly burnt out.  If I keep it up and fartlek on a regular basis – I can spend more and more time at this new pace and maybe knock off a little bit of time on my next race.

So instead of jumping in and teaching that new class – volunteer to assist and teach maybe every 3^rd or 4^th lesson.  Want to read 30 minutes a day, start with 10.  Want to volunteer 10 hours a week, start with 1 or 2. When you realize you can do that, you’ll also realize you can do more.   Eventually you’ll get used to the new pace, and be able to sustain and increase it throughout your Christian race. 

And you can say – “Uhh…yes…It was I who fartlek'd”.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.    For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?  (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

So let's pick up the pace a bit and ...

Run on!

The Race Goes On...

 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

1 Corinthians 9:26

The Christian Race is like a marathon in many ways except one very important way.  A marathon is 26.2 miles.  No more, no less.  It takes a lot of training to run a marathon (of which I better get busy), but when I run it I know how far I need to go to get the prize.  The Christian Race does not offer us a finite end point, a finish line accurately measured out for us.  Those that run it finish at different points, only known before hand by the Master Runner and Creator of the race.  For some, the race may seem to go on and on and on…for others, as I’ve experienced in the last week, the finish line comes much earlier.  The prize is the same … the pursuit is the same … in all cases we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus if we are to successfully finish the race.

So what does this all mean?  It means we run with our eyes on the prize continuously.  We don’t stray, we don’t wander aimlessly.  We don’t know when we will reach the finish line.  It could be today, tomorrow, or 30 years from now.  So we must stay the course. 

Tomorrow my marathon training continues.   I have a lot of work to do.  For reasons you probably already understand I got off my training schedule a bit and need to refocus.  I’m not going to say it will be unbearably tough because I do enjoy running.  But it’s not easy either.  Much like the Christian race – the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), so we can find joy as we run, and that sustains us as we face the hills and valleys, the cold weather and the storms, and keep pressing on until we do reach the finish line – whenever that may come.

Run On!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

It’s been a bit since I added to this blog, and this is definitely not the post I wanted to write.  My brother Greg unexpectedly passed away last night. Greg is not supposed to be gone, not now.  We had a race to run – Greg, his wife, and me – the Piittsburgh Marathon, May 6, 2012.  That is why this blog started.  That is what we both were looking forward to.

You see, I have run marathons before – 7 in all.  But over the last 8 years I stopped running.  Yeah, life happened – 4 more kids, job changes, getting older. Got a bit out of shape too. And my knees hurt, really hurt – but not bad enough to impress the doctors to do anything drastic.  Then my sister-in-law Lynn, Greg’s wife started running.  She posted a lot on FaceBook – “ran this many miles, etc”  I was happy for her, but jealous.  I missed running.  Then a year or so ago Greg started running – lost a lot of weight and looked real good.  So proud of him. I was jealous enough to give running a try again – actually it was like God prompted me to get back, maybe to connect with Greg, maybe to write this blog.   But my knees! Almost a year later and the knees haven’t been a problem.  Greg says it was I who encouraged him to run the Pittsburgh Marathon, but actually dear brother; it was you who encouraged me.  I wish I could have told you.

Greg has been an encouragement to me.  He gave his life to Christ before me and helped lead me to Christ. In return, I introduced him to his wife.  We went to college together, lived on the same street for a few years while I was stationed in Florida.  Greg loved the Lord, and served Him well.  He fought the good fight, he finished the race – he kept the faith.  I will miss you brother – but we still have a race to run together – and I look forward to it.  Just let me know what kind of running shoes work best on streets of gold.  

Until then, I’ll keep running.

a body in motion tends to stay in motion

On more than one occasion when I’ve talked to people about my training for the marathon I’ve received a response like “Wow, that’s nice.  I wish I could do something like that.”  I then think back to the times when I thought the exact same thing.  Now having run a few marathons I  may look at people who run 50 miles -  and think that, but I’m more apt to think “I could do that, but why?”

What’s my point here.  Let me share another story.  I get the chance often to talk about my family’s adoption journey.  My wife and I adopted 3 children from China over a period of 6 years – all after our 42^nd birthdays.  We now have a wonderful family consisting of  two biological children, ages 23 and 9, and 3 adopted children, ages 8, 8 , and 10.  And people say things like “Wow, that’s nice.  I wish I could do something like that.”

When I started running I never thought I could run a marathon, let alone 5 miles.  It takes a lot of dedication, early morning runs in the cold, long runs on the weekends, and lots of ibuprofen.  When you can barely run a mile, 26.2 miles seems like climbing Mt Everest (and there are people who do that).  But after you are able to run a mile, 2 miles doesn’t seem so hard. After 2 miles, 5 becomes a possibility and so forth. 

We never planned on adopting three kids.  13 years after the birth of our son we thought we’d end up parents of an only child. And we were OK with that.  Hitting my 40^th birthday I wasn’t looking for an extended parenting career. Then my daughter came.  What an awesome, unexpected blessing she is.  But now after 2 kids, 3 doesn’t seem so hard.  So we adopted.  Well after 3 kids, you get the picture…but we did stop at 5!

You may not ever desire to run a marathon, or be called to adopt kids (though you may want to really inquire of God about that!).  But what may God be calling you to do and your response now is “Wow, that’s nice.  I wish I could do something like that”.  These adventures are not just for certain people.  One of my favorite passages from the Bible is James 5:17-18 

  “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” (NIV)

Wow!  Elijah, a great man of God – was just like us?  He challenged the prophets of Baal – and won!.  He prayed for a drought… and God answered.  He prayed for rain, and it poured!. 

One of the most important concepts of physics is this: “A body in rest tends to stay at rest, and a body in motion tends to stay in motion, unless the body is compelled to change its state.

Running involves motion.  The Christian race involves motion.  If you are not moving the tendency is to stay put.  If you are moving, it’s easier to move further.  Find out what God is calling you to do, look to Elijah (he was just like us, remember) or those saints in Hebrews 12 who have gone before us, or others whom God has used to inspire us…and

Run On!

The First Mile

The First Mile

Over the past year I have fallen in love with running again, and by the grace of God my knees have graciously cooperated with my addiction.  Last Saturday I ran 14 miles; the longest I’ve run in over 8 years.  The amazing part of that is I felt I could have gone further – and I will, in the weeks to come.  This Saturday is an “easy” 6 miler but next weekend includes a 16 miler (followed by an 18 and a 20 in the following two weeks). 

But last week the 14^th mile wasn’t the toughest one – it was the first!  The first mile is often one of the hardest. 

Why?

During the first mile my body has many complaints.  “Why are we doing this, it’s cold and windy”  “I’m tired, it’s only 5:30AM”, “I’d rather be_________” , “Can we go home now?”  I often have to fight through that first mile as my body becomes adjusted (and succumbs)  to its task.  The temptation to quit in those first 10 minutes can be pretty strong.  In the winter I often dress as if it would be 20 – 25 degrees warmer to adjust for the exercise warm-up.  By mile 2 or 3 I usually feel plenty warm (if not too warm).  But that first mile is cold.  Try being outside on a 30 degree day in shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt.  Brrr!  But once the body is warmed up and over the initial complaints we are cruising – and yes, even a 14 mile run can be enjoyable (we’ll talk about 16 or miles at a later time).  But I’ve been through enough first miles to know that subsequent miles get better.

So the question is – what about those “other” first miles in our lives.  Those things God calls us to do that we know will be exciting and meaningful, but very uncomfortable at first.   How many times have I called it quits in the first mile because I felt inadequate, uncomfortable, or numerous other excuses.  Maybe I didn’t even get to the starting line to avoid the first mile blues.  I need to consider again those folks in Hebrews 12:1 who have already gone ahead of me and our ready to cheer me on.  And to fix once again my focus on Christ.  All the time I can remember the promise of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

How about you?

Run on!

Excessive Compulsive Running Disorder and the Christian

 I am a runner.  Some people may say that I have ECRD - excessive compulsive running disorder.  I like to run.  I get up early to do it.  I run when I am on vacation, or travel on business.  I run when it’s hot and I run when it’s cold.  I have been known to run in the rain and I enjoy running when it’s snowing.  I hope that when I am running my face looks like I am enjoying it – I’m not doing it to punish myself.  I am a runner. 

When I first starting running I didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to it.  I’d been somewhat sedentary and probably made fun on a few occasions of those schmucks out there in the cold rain running up that hill.  When asked “Are you are runner?” I’d say “Hmm, I don’t know  - I jog a few miles now and then.”  Finally someone confronted me – “Do you run 3 or more miles on a regular basis?” “Well, yes. I suppose I do” “Then, you’re a runner!”  So I admitted my identity and gave in to the moniker – and then ran even more!

So what does this have to do with running the Christian race?  Well, a lot.  If we are going to run the Christian race we need to know who we are .  I am a Christian.  There, I’ve said it.  Why is that important?  People who know that I am training for a marathon watch me a little differently.  Knowing I am a runner helps them define who I am (even though their knowledge may be a bit off)  “Do you really think you should eat that?” One might say.  “Or I could never do that…I can’t get up that early, or my knees hurt to bad (football injury, you know)”.  But it also helps me know who I am – and accordingly watch what I eat – or what I do.   People who know that I am a Christian helps them define who I am (even though their knowledge may be a bit off!) “Oh, you shouldn’t say that around Jeff, he may get offended” or “That’s not how a Christian should behave.”

More importantly though – It defines who I am.  “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

I am a runner because I enjoy the benefits of running.  I enjoy the health benefits I get because I run.  I enjoy being able to clear my head, think, and pray as I run.  I enjoy seeing the stars in the morning or new fallen snow before anyone (except me!) tramples on it.  I enjoy the serenity.  I train and set race goals to challenge me and help me improve.

I am a Christian because Christ accomplished for me what I could not do – deal with my sin and sin problem – give me new life and the promise of an eternal one.  As a Christian I can now know and follow the path He created me for and enjoy His love and strength as I run each earthly step.  I need to train and strive to grow in my faith so I can run this race with perseverance and success.  As I come to grips with who I am as a Christian, and what all that means, I want to run more – for Christ – fixing my eyes on him as I run toward the prize.

How about you?

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms”  Ephesians 1:17-20

 

Log - last week ran 26 miles including a Saturday run of 10 miles in the cold and snow.   This Saturday the forecast calls for 12 miles - before 8AM!  


Knowing who we are is essential - if we are to become who God created us to be.