Lessons From An Early Morning Run

The “marathon crew” met at 6:00 for our three mile run this morning. It was AWESOME! We all showed amazing stamina and I just know we are going to set the road on fire when we go to San Diego in June.

As I have been reflecting on our run this morning a few thoughts hit me about how what we did relates to our walk with Christ—such as…

#1 - Different People Run At A Different Pace—And That’s OK!

One of the things we have said from the beginning (which was actually today) was that we didn’t need to all try and stay together…that would frustrate some and give others a side cramp from the pit of Hades. There is a clear understanding that we will all run our own pace—but that it is our goal to finish the race…and as long as we finish well—that’s all that matters.

Within Christianity there are some people who seem to be “faster” than others. There are some people who seem to learn things at a much faster pace—and then there are those (like me) who need time for things to really sink in…

And that’s ok!

I think one of the mistakes we can make as a Christian is placing the unrealistic expectation on people to be just…like…us. To believe EXACTLY how we believe (after all—we’ve never been wrong about ANYTHING, right?) We want them to know what we know—and if for some reason they think differently about a theological issue—we “BEAT” them into submission by constantly bringing it up until they see the light and come over to our side.

But as I read the Scriptures—our goal should not be to be like another person—but to take one step at a time towards Christ. And once again—some people are fast runners and some are slow—the important thing to ask isn’t, “Are you running at MY speed,” but rather, “are you moving forward?”

#2 - When It’s Dark—I Can’t See!

DUH!

At 6:00 am it’s dark. (I say this because I know that some of you had no idea there was any such thing as 6 am!)

So while we were running along the sidewalk on highway 81 I REALLY appreciated the cars that would pass because they had their lights on & I could then see in front of me.

One of the things we must admit is that we do not live in a neutral culture when it comes to morality—in fact, things are pretty dark. That is why it is so important for us to read the Bible & go to church (one that teaches the Bible!)—we need some light in our lives…if not—we could wind up in a ditch somewhere!

If you are having a hard time making a decision about something—check out Scripture. Think about this—ALL of us have made some REALLY bad decisions in our past, right? However, none of us made those bad decisions as a result of discovering what Scripture said about something & then applying it!

#3 - Life Comes At You Fast—Deal With It!

Jake and I were about a half a mile into our run and were going past this side street when a car came flying towards us…he obviously didn’t see us. (He must have been blind—Jake is 6’7” and I am 6’6”!)

Anyway—I didn’t get mad—I didn’t throw anything at his car (probably because I didn’t have anything to throw—just being honest!) When he finally stopped Jake and I just ran around him and that was that. I have not let that circumstance rob me of my joy. I am not going to start a “driving like a idiot” boycott. (I would have to boycott myself!!!) I have put it behind me & am now moving on.

It is amazing the things that a Christian will let rob them of their joy. Folks—life happens FAST! We are going to face tough times—tragedy is inevitable. However, keep certain things in mind…your car not starting is NOT the end of the world…burning supper is not something to freak out about—discovering that someone squeezed the toothpaste from the middle IS NEVER a reason to begin a meltdown!

When these things happen…and you are tempted to complain how “bad” you’ve got it—just think, there are thousands and thousands of people on this planet that would love to trade places with you—because while you think you’ve got it bad—they’ve got it worse!

#4 - Everyone—I MEAN EVERYONE—Appreciates Encouragement!

When I finished my run I went back to run with one of the other peeps! She was the one who was most hesitant about running the marathon. When I got to her the first thing she said was, “You didn’t have to come back for me,” but when we crossed the finish line she said “thanks!”

There is not one single person you will meet today that does not need or want to be encouraged in some way. However, all too often we point out the faults and fallacies in others in order to make ourselves feel better about our perceived inadequacies.

But turn that around—ENCOURAGE! What if I had gone back to the person who I ran in with and began to say, “Is that the best you can do? Come on!” That would have demoralized her to the point to where she would not have wanted to keep going.

However, by encouraging her—not only did she finish—but she finished strong! (And actually beat her previous time from this past Saturday!!!)

Just some early morning thoughts…have an awesome day!