My friend/running partener (Pat) and I - finally done!!!
Coming off of the second bridge.
I started to train for a 1/2 marathon back in January of this year. I was part of a big training group (photo at left shows many of us) that ran our long runs together each Saturday and did our "homework" runs by ourselves during the week. The big day was May 9 when we ran the "Bridge The Gap" race that raises money to cover prescription costs for low income people. The race is really cool because you run across the Mississippi River twice on two different bridges. It was a beautiful day and I really had fun. I have very average speed, so my motto has been, "I am completing, not competing." Mainly, I have learned that I have to have a goal/event to shoot for or I become very lazy with my workout schedule. So....as I was out for a short run the other day, it really struck me how running a literal race is such a great metaphor for running the race of life and faith. The fact that the Bible uses this illustration is so appropriate. When I was racing, I got to mile 11 and my body was really wanting to quit. The temptation to stop and walk was pretty intense. At that point, my brain had to convince my body to do the right thing and finish strong. I prayed that God would help me do this. In life, there are also intense temptations. Our body says yes and we have to use the Spirit of Christ within us to shout, "NO". I was also thankful for my training. Had I not prepared myself for that time, my ability to stay focused and finish strong would have been greatly compromised. This was such a great reminder for me that my daily devotional time, though it sometimes doesn't seem to be greatly significant at the time, is preparing me for the battles ahead of me. The more I study God's Word, the more prepared I will be for the plan He has for my life. So, my advice for you and for me is to run a few miles with God's Word today and prepare to finish strong. By HIS grace, I'll see you at the finish line.
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