Rainbows and Butterflies

I had a different run this afternoon.  I had planned to run 9 miles after work but when I got home a storm was starting.  The sky was black and the radar was ominous.  I decided I was going to get my workout in regardless of the conditions so I headed downstairs to the treadmill.  After about three miles I came upstairs to tell my wife something and she said why are you running down stairs when it is beautiful outside.  I looked outside and couldn't believe that it was sunny.  I thought why not run the last 6 outside.

Just after leaving the house I noticed God's gift of a rainbow.  I started my communication with God by thanking him for his greatness and the rainbow he provided.  I had a nice run and it remained sunny the rest of the evening, but my runs are not always about rainbows and butterflies.  Last week I had a run that was very difficult.  I just didn't feel right.  My joints felt still and my legs were heavy. Mentally I wasn't wanting to run and I thought about stopping.  A couple of miles into the run I ran into this guy.

The picture doesn't do him justice. He was over one foot long and looked like the meanest snapping turtle I have ever seen.  It reminded me of a verse from Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?  I certainly wasn't going to let this guy stop me from finishing my run, but how often do I let material things cut in on me and keep me from having closeness with God?  As I continued to run I thought about this over and over.  Why would I let anything come between me and the Lord?  Why slow myself down with things of this world?  I want to run my race with strength and focus and not let anyone or anything cut in on me as I run with God.

Run Your Race

Hebrews 12:1

Running Towards a Strong Tower

Yesterday was a perfect day for a long run.  It was 65 degrees and no wind.  This was my view at the start of my run.

I know it doesn't look like a picture but this is a picture of the sky.  It was a perfect blessing from God after a long winter.  My playlist started with a song by Kutless titled Strong Tower.  During my run I thought about what I was running toward.  Am I running towards God or am I running towards material gains that wont last.  Proverbs 18:10 says The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  I want to remember what I am running towards and that the Lord is a strong tower.  I want God to be blessed by my running.

I also took a picture at the end of my run.

Again the picture was of a perfect blue sky.

Run Your Race

Hebrews 12:1

God gives Perseverance

This past Satruday I was fortunate to have my long run in Bloomington,IN on the B-Line Trail. 


The trail starts just north of the center of town and has its first few miles through the heart of
Bloomington.

  It then runs through some wooded areas for 3 miles until you reach the southern trail head.

 Most of the trail is paved but there is a two mile section that is a nice dirt path. 

At the south end the B-line connects to the Clear Creak Trail.   This is a 3 mile paved path that is through some small open fields.

  I was able to run the entire length out and back and loved it. 

The run started at 50 degrees but during the last 6 miles a cold front came through and the wind picked up.  By the end of the run it was 39 degrees with a wind chill of 31.  My hands and cheeks were blue at the end.  At times I wanted to stop but I continued to press on thinking about Isaiah 40, ... but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

I greatly enjoyed running in Bloomington.    I would love to get back and see how beautiful the trail is during summer time.

Running With God as a Winner

Most people who take up running as a hobby or to get into shape will at some point run in a race.  For many the race will be a local 5k, but for others it may be a longer or larger event like a half marathon or marathon.  Most people who run in these races do not win and have no chance of winning.  They don't even win an age group award.  Still we run because we run for ourselves.  We really don't race against others in the race.  We are challenging ourselves and we run against the clock.

Now imagine stepping up to the line before a race and knowing that you are going to win.  How would it feel to know that you have the ability to be the winner and all you have to do is to complete the course.  That would be an awesome feeling.  I have competed in many races over the years.  I have had the fortune to run the Indianapolis mini-marathon 4 times.  There are typically around 33,000 runners each year in the Indianapolis Mini and it would be an unbelievable experience to be the winner.  But I tell you I have an even better experience.  That experience is to be a winner with Christ.  If we give our lives over to Jesus Christ we will be winners everyday.  We will be winners in our homes and in our communities.  Our race has already been won.  All we will have to do is Run our race.  Just like in Hebrews 12:1 ...let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Jesus has already fought the battle.  All we have to do is to give our hearts to him and claim our prize.

I have added a new song to my playlist that emphasizes this point.  The song is Holding Nothing Back by Ryan Stevenson.  In the song He says "Jesus I don't want anything coming in between between me and you. Jesus I will do what I got to do I 'm holding nothing back."  1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us this, Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. The prize is yours if you want it.  Run to be a winner!


Run Your Race
Hebrews 12:1