No Such Thing as a Bad Mile

On this Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, when many Christians start a new discipline by either fasting (giving something up) or taking on a new spiritual practice, I realized that Nike got it right. We are called to "Just Do It".

As I was running this morning, I realized the connection between training and spiritual practices. After all a spiritual practice is training. It's training for God; so that we can share Christ's love with someone in need or feel God's presence during the trials and tribulations of life, especially in times of crisis.

I don't always feel like getting up before the sun when the temperature is below freezing to run, but to be ready for the next big race I must. It may feel like it was a "bad" run, but it still counts towards training my legs and lungs so that my body will be ready for the race. There is no such thing as a "bad mile" because each mile adds to the discipline and training of my body. I may not enjoy every mile, but each one is crucial to my success in finishing the race.

Likewise, my time with God always counts. Sometimes I try a new practice and don't like it, but God honors our time together and my effort. I have found that saying Compline before I go to bed works well for me, but sometimes I'm tired and don't feel like it. It doesn't matter, I need to "Just Do It". Why? Because it brings me into God's presence and reminds me that I am loved and I am called to love others and show God's mercy. If I don't do anything, I miss out on the "peace that passes all understanding". If I fail to pray, I can't become the person God intends me to be. I won't grow closer to God if I wait for the moment that I want to pray, it might never happen.

So this Lent, "Just Do It"! Whatever "It" is God will meet you there and honor your efforts.

Answering a new call

I am a runner, mom, wife and lay minister (Minister of Christian Formation). All aspects of my life are connected. Running keeps my body, mind and spirit healthy. During a retreat this weekend about  Living a Life of Balance it became apparent that I am suppose to share my journey of running and faith with others.

I am no author, so answering this call is scary. I just can't escape the prodding, pushing and insistence of God to do this, so here goes nothing...

I'm a late runner having only started 2-1/2 years ago at the age of 41. I started because I was over 40, overweight and out of shape. Also, the opportunity to run a 5K at Disney World in February of 2011
presented itself. So I started using the Couch to 5K training program in September of 2010. I wanted to give myself plenty of time to work my way up to running 3.1 miles!

It's strange to look back and realize that God called me to running just as He called me to my job. I was unequipped for both but it was what God wanted me to do. Both have been a gift to me. The difference is I didn't see God's hand in my call to run at the time. Now I realize what a precious gift it is.

In 2-1/2 years I have gone from barely being able to run 1 mile to completing a marathon. I had no idea when I started running that I would complete a marathon; I wasn't sure I'd run more that one 5K, but I became hooked. You see, running is addictive, there is a high like no other that comes with completing a run, no matter if it is a 2 mile training run or a marathon with a new PR (Personal Record).

Since God called me to running, I believe I am to learn from my experiences, see God in them and share what He has given me. My next post will start with what I discovered during my retreat about balance, God and running.

Join me on my journey of faith as I run towards God...