Just Keep Running

In spite of my aching knee, I decided to go for a run. I was determined to stick with my routine, to achieve at least one of my goals­ to lose weight, be faster, and run farther. Less than half a mile later, I tripped on a curb and twisted my ankle. Luckily, I caught myself before I fell to the concrete.

Okay. It’s just a slight strain; I’ll walk it off, I thought.

So I proceeded to walk the neighborhood.

I’m doing good, limping along, still exercising, powering through the pain, I told myself.

Suddenly, the gray clouds that had been hovering ominously decided to release a barrage of raindrops on my head. I admitted defeat and dragged my soggy, limping self home.

Have you ever felt this way? Doggedly determined to do something,—something good­—and roadblocks meet you at every turn?

I confess, I did not have a very good attitude to begin with. It had been one of those days. The AC had gone out (in July in Georgia), the kids were bickering (two weeks until school started), and I was just plain old tired and crabby.

My husband­, who can just decide to be healthier—to exercise and lose weight and BAM! it happens —prodded me to go. He knows my goals and what I want to accomplish, so despite my less-than-ideal attitude (there may have even been some growling), he encouraged me out the door.

As we ran (walked/limped) up and down the streets in the neighborhood, every time he passed by I made a face. (I know, mature.)

What was with my attitude? And why didn’t I want to do something that was good and good for me?

One of my favorite Bible passages is Hebrews 12:1-3:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and that sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)

In my Bible, I have the word perseverance in this passage underlined twice. Even (especially?) good things require perseverance. Perseverance is a good thing. We know perseverance leads to character and character leads to hope (see Romans 5:4). Perseverance, character, and hope are all good things!

[Tweet “If God has called you to do it­, you CAN do it! Fix your eyes on Jesus and just keep running.”]

Even if you fall along the way, even if you finish limping, crossing the finish line will be worth it!

 

Dana Herndon is a writer and blogger as well as an elementary and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, watch Food Network and HGTV, follow politics, and paddleboard. She blogs at danaherndon.com.

Photograph used with permission from, and copyright of, Michelle Lenger.