Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The BIG Race

When my Father died eleven years ago I began to run. For as long as I could remember, he ran three miles a day. I think I felt that if he weren't going to run anymore, that I would run for him. So I mustered the strength to hit the pavement for a block or two initially, then a mile, then three and I've been running ever since.

And this coming Saturday, April 26th at 7:00 a.m., I will run a race that will be my longest distance to date...13.1 miles-Nashville's own Music City Half marathon. The farthest I have run during training is ten miles. I still can't believe my body has gone from a couple of miles in November, with lungs heaving in the cold, to ten 'not-too-slow' miles in April. It didn't happen overnight. Preparation required lots of cold early mornings and more than one pair of ultra expensive-shoes. If you think running is an inexpensive sport…think again. But that's another blog entry.

Running….its what we are told to do. To run the race well, to finish strong. To fight the good fight. Paul tells us this in 2 Tim 4:5-8. Good advice.

What I've learned over the past 5 months is that in order to run well, in order to finish the race set before you, you need something that you don't just have, or are born with….but something that you have to build and grow. It requires determination, perseverance, patience, dealing with pain, and the endurance of obstacles, icy weather, puddles, cramps and headwinds. And most of all, it just took time.

I know why Paul compared running a race to our journey with Christ on the roads of this life. They can be rough and painful. Ahh…but the finish. It may not be easy but that's what makes the reward so much sweeter.

The great joy and draw to this marathon business, I believe, is not having to run alone. So many feet going in the same direction, pounding away toward the same goal. My two feet in my pristine white cushy shoes will be among the masses on Saturday.

If you are coming to Deeper Still in Atlanta, you may be dreading the crowds and masses of moving women. But what joy to all to be heading in the same direction? Even if you plan to attend alone, you won't be. Run to Christ with us. You won't run alone. But remember to wear comfy shoes!

p.s.
I'll send in a post race report on how it all went once my shiny shoes have crossed the finish line. And I plan to finish, with the Lord and my aching right hip willing.
In Him,

Paige C. Greene
Director of Women's Ministry Training and Events

Posted by Michelle Hicks on Apr 23, 2008 at 07:15 AM