Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Back to Running

I love to run.

Technically, I love the memory of running.
I was a runner.  
Back when I ran at least five times a week, minimum three miles each time.
Back in 2008, the Year of the Marathon.
Two long years back before today, and I can count on both hands the days I've laced my Mizunos.
Back before my priority was teaching my boys, 
and being a commander's spouse, 
and enjoying good German food,
and being rested enough to tell myself the truth 
instead of "I don't care that I'm gaining some weight."
Yes, I was a runner.
Now, I'm more of a shuffler with really great form.
I love that miles of running created memory paths,
trails I'm willing to sweat on until my legs are as strong
as the lessons I've learned in the past from running.
*  The hardest thing about starting is deciding to do so - each and every day.  But I remember it gets easier.


*  Getting to the end really does just take one step at a time.


*  Short goals are easier to conquer.  Conquer them one by one and you're home before you know it.


*  Going up hills is hard.  It's wise to slow your pace and keep your eyes on the horizon.  Your path can't keep you climbing forever.


*  It's always okay to stop and walk...as long as you remember you made the decision to run.
We've decided we are a family of runners.
This is a new race for the boys, 
something they've not tried before.
I am looking forward to teaching them 
life lessons out on the running path.  
I am looking forward to seeing them grow strong and persevere to the end. 
After all, who doesn't enjoy seeing a race run well?
I guess I'm a runner after all.

I am back to running, Favored One, pain, sweat, and all.  Do you want to lace up your Mizunos and join me?

Discipline in a Long-Distance Race 

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Hebrews 12:1-3  (The Message)

always counting grace...

1422.  my body remembers how to run
1423.  I have a body that can run
1424.  I have sons I can keep pace with for awhile
1425.  we have beautiful fields and forests to begin our running days in
1426.  God teaches me profound lessons in the simplest of ways
1427.  Memory can either move us forward or keep us stalled.  I have free will to choose.
1428.  I will run the race until it is finished
1429.  I know who runs beside me, who champions me on, and who waits at the finish line.



6 comments:

  1. I haven't officially got "back to running" since being pregnant. But everyone else has. We are a family of runners too. Nick will go. Moe will pass Nick, then mom will decide to go after everyone else has. Funny :)

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    1. I might as well be on the run with you - I can see it all. Love, love, love it! And you!

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  2. Great post! I am a part of Ann Voskamp's gratitude community, too, but I have not quite hit my 1000 gifts yet. Way to go on hitting yours and continuing it, as well as your running journey:)

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    1. Thanks, Mandy! It was really good to get my journal back out. I didn't manage to write in it the entire time I was in Texas and have struggled getting to it since we've been home. I definitely spend more of my time delighting in the Lord when I'm keeping up with counting grace! Have a beautiful day counting yours!

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  3. Hey Tobi! I popped over from Better Writer for a visit and love this post! You've challenged and inspired me to get moving again!!!

    Blessings to you as you settle in DC!

    Jackie

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    1. Thanks, Jackie for stopping by. I've been enjoying getting to know you a little bit through Better Writers. Now that I'm packed out I think I'll have more time to read posts. Blessings to you this day as well, new friend.

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