run like a runner…

I’m about to tell a story of true, but gigantic proportions.  Its about me.  You won’t believe it.

Last night I went running in my ‘hood.  It was a bit chilly for this time of year, but I was raring to go.  I’ve been working out indoors and was anxious to monitor my real progress.  How far can I run? I mean really actually run?  feet pounding pavement, cold, fresh air burning my lungs?  how far?

I made a decision as I put my earbuds in, my iphone ready to blast my running playlist. I had been working hard on pushing my stamina beyond previous boundaries.  It was time.

Tonight I would run… like a runner.

And I did.

What does it mean to me, to run like a runner?  Well, I guess it is a change in mindset, which recreates how I carry myself.  If I’m a “walker”, I might believe I can only jog for a very short period, wanting to stop the running sooner than later.  But, if I’ve stepped into the “runner” frame of mind, I keep on going, because I don’t expect to stop;  I might actually enjoy the whole running experience.  My back is straighter, my heart and feet are lighter now…  “I think I can” is on the brain, rather than “I’m sure I can’t…”

Now, granted, I am still working on my 5K program, so it does not mean that I ran three miles without a sweat. Nope.  not even close.  But I did break a new barrier and ran for three minutes without struggling, without stopping to walk.  For me this is all so new and exciting.  I never thought it would happen.

And it is here, at this new intersection that I find myself confronted in my life-long marathon with Christ.  Its where my “know how” and my “desire” cross paths.  He wants me to run as the believer He’s created and called me to be.  Especially this week.  Why this week? (I knew you were wondering…)

Wednesday was a dark day for our city.  Tornados brought horrendous damage and devastation to our little corner of the world.  Homes flattened, possessions completely gone, lives taken.  It is beyond what my mind can conceive.  And yet He’s called me – and all believers to the marathon: How far will you go?  What will it take for you to run like a runner, after me, after my will, and my heart?  

He wants me to follow His commands to give from my prosperity to those in need.  He asks I give time, finances, supplies, whatever it takes to help those less fortunate who were ravaged by the storm. Give generously, give graciously, give wildly.    He wants me to have compassion, to be His hands and feet in a dark, grieving, wounded community.

1 Corinthians 9 23-27 (from the message)

23 I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

 ^24-25You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

 ^26-27I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

I  have to decide now is the time.  Its what I’ve been training for.  I must actually get up and run, with my heart prepared to go the distance back straight, head high.

like His runner.