Over the holidays I got into a conversation with some of Lauren’s family. The conversation was about one of my least favorite things to do in all of creation; running. To better understand the extent of the conversation, one must understand that almost all of Laurens family runs. They love it!!! In fact, they love it so much that they run 5k’s, 10k’s, half-marathons, and full length marathons…had to take a minute and rest there, the sheer thought of having to write all that out leaves me without breath.
I made a statement during the conversation that was some what funny, but mostly true. I will not nor will I ever run just for the fun of running. I run to lose fat off my body, to get in better basketball playing shape, to keep my endurance up, and so on and so forth. That is it, plan and simple; those are the only reasons for me running. Ok, maybe if I ran into a guy with a hockey mask and a bloody machete that would cause me to sprint. While I can appreciate that people enjoy running and have a blast putting their bodies through both physical and mental torment, I don’t enjoy anything about it.
Running serves a purpose for me in my life. Running is not the goal; it is a means to achieve the goal. Everyday I must mentally prepare myself for the run, knowing that if I don’t do it then I will not meet my goal. No wonder the apostle Paul compares our walk with God as a long run, or a runner in a race. Running is not the purpose. Running gets us to the purpose.
Many times in our endeavor to “draw” closer to God we find ourselves in the middle of the run wanting to rest, to give up, maybe even wonder why we even started to begin with. This is affectionately called the “wall”, and every runner hits it at some point. It is at this time that we must remember what the purpose of the run is, and it’s not just to run!! Maybe you have forgotten your purpose, maybe you have hit your “wall”, or maybe you are wondering to yourself why you even started this run of faith. Let me encourage you to press on, to go beyond what your mind is telling you and remember that there is a purpose in what you are doing. Finish the race, there is a crown awaiting you at the end of your journey…as for me…I guess it’s time to hit the ole elliptical machine one more time, because I haven’t reached my goal yet! Anyone want to get a hockey mask and a bloody machete and meet me at the Y for some extra motivation?
Blessing,
Pastor Jason
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