part of my weekend at home a 13.1 mile race up in huntington beach with my mom. this is one of our biggest times of bonding (besides sushi lunches, shopping, laughing in my bed late at night... ok so we bond over everything!) but this half marathon, being one of many i have run, was just miserable. the weather was beautiful, the course was flat, it was perfect for a personal record. i mean PERFECT. however, it was pure torture to run 13.1 miles this day and my time reflected my agony.
but as i ran, and even now as i look at my just over 2 hour time and feel disappointed, there is just something about God that keeps running through my head (boy do i think about Him a lot!). despite the difficulties that i felt while i was running, i realize that i was running as best i could. just like timothy was sanctioned to do by God in 1 timothy:
"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight, the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." - 1 Timothy 6:11-12
as the 25,000 people who were participating in the race pushed themselves through the 13 miles course, it was obvious to me that we were all gifted with different running (and for others walking!) abilities who came to the race with from all kinds of contexts. and i know as every single person crossed the finish line there was someone that was proud of them for their accomplishment regardless of the time. just like the 25,000 participants, we, as Christians, have someone encouraging us and cheering for us, then finally at the end of the race proud of us. how lucky are we!
we need to remember to run with all that we have (even if it isn't much) because God will take note and commend us for our efforts. keep training (in His word) and stay tough during those times that feel so miserable because He is impressed!
also, find a running buddy or a race partner (thanks mom!) to hold you accountable in your training and working towards a faster pace. it is so helpful to come across the finish line and have someone else say it was just as difficult as you experienced. plus, it's always more fun to share experiences with another person!
in closing, the song for the day...my absolute favorite running song: god of this city -chris tomlin
this song plays over and over on my mom and i's ipod as we run. there is something in knowing that since we aren't running together we can share something... that being our lovely little song!
as i run through the beautiful bayside in san diego or down to the beach and enjoy the surf while i jog along the boardwalk i cannot help but hear the power in chris' lyrics...
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
greater things than a picture perfect coast? greater things than a beautiful horizon with the shadow of jets breaking the skyline? greater things than summer all year long? wow. God must know something we don't know. i'm looking forward to crossing the finish line and entering into heaven with a very proud God to give me the high five that i need after a long race.
greater things are yet to come...just not in huntington. love you and you are my best buddy! thanks for keeping me on the course...i do mean THE course not the running course.
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