There’s something about having a running buddy. This is me and my running buddy, Patti.
She knows how to run. She has experience. She’s already run races the distance we’re training for and much longer. Her words of advice are significant because she’s been there. But her encouragement bolsters my faith, because when she says, “You can do this!” I’m confident she actually knows if I can!
And she knows how to run with me. She runs with a spring in her step, and cheery words coming from her lips. Attentive, she can tell by my breathing whether I can converse, or if I need to just answer yes or no questions.
For a long time, before she and I teamed up, I thought I liked running alone. As a terribly independent soul, I was prepared to take on long runs alone. But, I’ve quickly learned: I need my running buddy.
This lesson I’ve learned is true in my life as a believer as well.
I love what Paul says in Ephesians 4:1-3 (the Message)
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
Could there be more accurate words when it comes to training for running or for real life? Run, together! Keep each other on the right path, with discipline! Love one another! All of us running, we need each other.
Heavenly Father, Give me the grace to live in community this way; with love and humility – pouring myself out for those you’ve put on the path beside me! Let me be a “running buddy” for those who are running the race too. amen.
daily portion 