Tonight I laced up my new running shoes and stepped outside. I turned on my iphone, chose the couch 2 5K app, put my buds in my ears and headed out down my driveway, walking at a good pace. Its the beginning of a new phase for me. I’m attempting to be a runner.
For those who know me, it may be laughable. As a child I had asthma, and ever since I haven’t been an aggressive exerciser. So, even though I’ve outgrown the asthma, for me to launch out in this way, is a bit strange. In fact, its completely out of character for me. But I want to do it for my health, for my sanity and lots of other good reasons.
I looked down at my shoes. Oh did they feel good. I had tried to run in my old walking shoes last week and it just didn’t work. These new runners looked as good as they felt. I think I could wear them every day. all day. When my iphone beeped to let me know it was time to run, my shoes seemed to propel me. amazing.
As I continued the cycles of walk- run-walk-run, my feet felt great. I almost enjoyed the exercise. What was a bit was unsettling was what I saw. My neighbors’ houses. I had forgotten, in my busy life, about all the people in my neighborhood. As I slowed to a walk at one point I was reminded of something. My other shoes… The ones I don’t put on as often as I should.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7
Oh, I should put my shoes on more often, the ones with the name brand, “believer” on them… But, it makes me nervous. I think of so many others who wear their shoes well – friends who are in China, in Myanmar, cousins who live in Siberia, other cousins who spent a several months in Papa new Guinea. These people use their livelihood, wearing their shoes, taking the good tidings to those who have not heard. I on the other hand am afraid to put them on when I walk across the street to talk to my neighbor…
There was a quote that popped up on my iphone runners’ app tonight, but the words really seem to apply right now:
“If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.” (Priscilla Welch)
Scripture says it this way:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
or
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4: 5-6
These verses tell me to go. go soon. Don’t spend time wondering about it; Let go of the fear because the time may be short. I need to put on my shoes of the gospel of peace, and get moving. I may not know exactly how, it may not feel comfortable or natural, but I have to do it. Like the running, I need to get started – He’ll give me the stamina for the rest.
daily portion 