I love to
run.
Actually, I used to
hate it. When I was a kid in school, I dreaded the days when we’d have to run
timed events in gym class. I wasn’t fast, so I was always a bit embarrassed
when our 50- and 100-yard dash times were posted on the bulletin board in the
hallway outside the physical education office.
But these
days, I actually enjoy lacing on sneakers and going for a run.
Maybe it’s the
scenery and the solitude that strikes me. And the fact that I can burn
approximately 100 calories per mile is a bonus.
Certainly, I find
it personally rewarding to tick off each mile I cover, knowing God is helping
me to kick back at the potentially crippling medical condition with which I was
diagnosed several years ago.
Anyway, running along
woodsy trails and county roads sets me to thinking about goals, plans, and life
directions. I regard these moments as downtime, even though my body may be
working overtime, because my attention is much more focused.
Cars, bicycles, and
faster runners may zip past.
But, in a
larger sense, it’s just me and God out there.
Those are the times
when God seems to speak clearest to me. He pokes me with purpose. He reminds me
of responsibilities. He prods my pride. He stirs my spirit.
And He astonishes
me with the beauty of His creation.
He also
guards me from all sorts of dangers I may not even notice.
I’ve heard branches
fall across the path – right behind me. I’ve read reports of roadway crashes
that occurred fairly soon after I arrived home from a run. And I am fully aware
that there may be coyotes, bears, and other untamed creatures in the forests
near the running paths.
But God
goes with me daily, and He goes with you too.
Sure, He expects us
to use common sense and keep our wits about us. It would be downright foolish
for me to strike out on a solo run through the woods at midnight, as if to dare
the Lord to keep dangers at bay.
Clearly, He could.
But God calls us to
be wise and brave, following His lead and going under His guidance. Therein
lies the blessing.
The Lord says,
“I will guide you
along the best pathway
for your life.
I will advise you
and watch over you.”
(Psalm 32:8, NLT)
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Except for the wandering "also" in paragraph four, you have written another very encouraging article here!
ReplyDeleteLong ago I realized and came to appreciate the truth of Jesus' promise "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
What a comfort to know we are NEVER alone..even when we are alone!