Wow! My mind has finally calmed down and allowed me to figure out what I want to write about! I will apologize early for any ramblings that I'm sure will go on as I type, unfortunately it's how my mind works, please be patient (hahaha)!
Patient...now that's a word I have struggled with my whole life, still do, but God has been CONSTANTLY throwing things and people in my path that force patience on my behalf! The amazing thing about it all is, I know I should be patient and when I am, He blesses my socks off. I know this but I don't always act on patience, which then causes Him to discipline me. Kinda my version of Romans 7:21-23, of course patience is NOT the only thing I struggle with, but that's for a later blog!!
"What does patience have to do with Run, "Forest" Run?" you ask...well.....
I recently, as of August, took up running again! Of course, since I struggle patience I completed an eight week training program in two weeks for a 5K & I am one day away from completing a fourteen week training program in four weeks. Impressive? Maybe. Not suggested? ABSOLUTELY, as my knees & calves are screaming a little!! Okay, here's the situation...I signed up for a marathon in May of next year, but pressured myself to do several 5k's, one 10k, and two 1/2 marathons before then. My mind seems to work better under pressure, but I'm finding that my legs are telling me different. So, I'm learning, reluctantly, to listen to my body and be patient!!!!!
Most importantly I'm learning to listen to God, which is why I don't want to stop running! Each time I go out, to run, I am in awe of EVERYTHING He has created. The trees, animals, bugs, clouds, stars, sun, moon, the infinite sky, etc...but I'm also in awe of how he has given us the ability to run. The breathing, rhythm, muscles, strength, etc...
I've come to understand the "spiritual race" and "running with endurance" on a very personal level. Is training for a marathon easy? No. Fun? Sometimes. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Same questions and answers for our spiritual race...
"Do you not know that all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. they do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;" - 1 Cor 9:24-26 NIV
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Heb 12:1-2 NKJV
Why is it soo easy to discipline ourselves to running several miles for a worldly race, but difficult to discipline ourselves in training for our spiritual race? Probably cause the route is simply mapped out for you and you can see the finish line at the end of the race, but the win and "crown" is only temporary. As for the spiritual race, that's not as cut and dry but the win and the "crown" is eternal!! The Bible is our "map" but sometimes there are other routes that tend to lead us astray. We're not as eager to get to the "end of the race" spiritually, we tend to "know better" and get in the way, instead of being patient and listening to His soft welcoming voice. We try to fill our lives with empty worldly things instead of filling ourselves with the Holy Spirit. The bright, flashing lights are so much easier to see, the loud sounds are so much easier hear.
Why is God that soft quiet voice? Why doesn't He have bright, flashing lights? I think it's because He wants to make sure we're paying attention to Him COMPLETELY! He doesn't force us to want Him, He WANTS US TO WANT HIM!!!!! Why else would He have just given us one map, the Bible? Sure there are several versions for easier interpretation, but they lead you down the same route in the race!
So, I've debated with the reasons as to why I run as much as I do. Is it addictive or competitive? Well after a lot of thinking and quiet time with the Lord as I'm running I think it's neither. It's actually a relationship with my Heavenly Father, that I can't wait to pick up from where we last left off. It's my one on one time with Him WITHOUT any distractions in front of me or in my mind or heart!
I guess I'll just keep running!!!!
