During a conversation with a dear friend last year, the subject of running came up. I don't recall the details of the conversation, but somehow she was prompted to make the following statement, "Tanya, you're not a runner." Whaaat? I run on a somewhat regular basis and participate in the occasional race. I do more than most people do. I'm a runner.
I didn't take the time to defend myself and I'm glad I didn't because I've reflected on what she was saying, and she was right. The title of "runner" is awarded only to those with the carved out calves, the discipline to rise at whatever time necessary and endure whatever weather necessary to get in their "long run," those who just by looking at them, you can tell; yup, she's a runner. These people don't participate in the triviality of ipods and such. They spend their time on the road keeping track of their pace, concentrating on their form, eyes fixed straight ahead, it's a concentrated effort.
There are some distinct differences between me and "a runner:"
Me: A run is something to be mostly endured, and rarely enjoyed so I make sure I have adequate entertainment so as to make my run as entertaining as possible. It's hard to get motivated if my ipod hasn't been updated in awhile. I run outside when the weather is nice. If the weather is inclement, to the warm, dry, gym I go. Early morning runs only happen out of absolute necessity in the schedule. I will do whatever it takes NOT to wake up at 5:00 AM!
Runner: Focused on their pace, form, eyes fixed straight ahead. The goal isn't to finish, but to win. To compete. There is little room for entertainment, the joy of running is found in growing ,enduring, improving upon the last time, pace, or performance.
Hebrews 12:1-2 " Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Do you see the spiritual implications here? Sometimes, there isn't much difference in how I run spiritually and physically. Sometimes, my motivation to follow Jesus is not what it should be. When I look at the lives of our brothers and sisters discussed in the passage just prior to this (Heb 11:35-40) a spiritual life of comfort and entertainment is far from what I see. Our brethren were tortured, mocked, imprisoned, stoned to name a few. Following God is hard, painful, and most certainly inconvenient. The concerns that sometimes consume us; Are they going to wait until August to turn on the air conditioner? or The sermon is WAY too long or boring or I'm just not being fed would have seemed ridiculous to these brethren. They were "runners," focused, eyes fixed straight ahead.
Was Christianity ever intended to be entertaining? Comfortable? We want to attract people, so let's not make the service too early, long or meaty, and definitely lots of "programs" so people (and their kids) aren't bored. Is the building updated, the preacher dynamic?
Jesus asks you to LOVE your enemies, BLESS those who persecute you, leave your family and your own life. If you've ever had to do any of that, it's hard stuff. Jesus never talks about being comfortable or entertained as part of following Him. When He called His disciples, they left EVERYTHING (Mark 10:28), and Jesus was good with that. The New Testament writers are constantly encouraging us to endure to the end, to persevere, to stand firm among trials. They don't mention coming up with better programs, buildings, or entertainment to get more people to "come to church."
Is the joy of growth, endurance, and perseverance enough to keep us going in the race of our faith, or do we need something "more?" It was enough for Jesus...with JOY he endured the cross.
As I've reflected on all of this, it's challenged me, not to become a "runner" per se, as I'm content with my ipod, sometimes slacking form, and not running in the snow in February. It has, however, challenged me spiritually. If someone looked at my life, would they see me as the "real deal" when it comes to my faith?
Before any race I run, as I look out among the crowd of people stretching and warming up, I like to try to pick who the winner will be. That person NEVER looks like me. It's always a "runner."
I Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."
Where do you find joy in the spiritual race you are running? Is it in the temporal things of this earthly life, or in your growth, endurance, and standing firm?
So....Tanya, Why do you run? one may ask. Well, On October 27, I will drive myself to Texas to run a marathon to benefit 17 very special young people who have grown near and dear to my heart over the last 4 years, the youth of Emmaus House. My goal is to raise $10,000. Raising money is not my spiritual gift, so I have to resort to sacrificing my body. So, over the next couple of months, you may hear a lot about this from me on facebook and otherwise. I apologize for the harassment in advance, but running a marathon is a big deal so I want to make the most of it...help me out. Here is the link to donate. ANY amount helps! (Feel free to click on the highlights for more information.)
Here is a short video the guys helped me make in Haiti to promote this whole thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-kyLL1zGP0
Here are some behind the scenes shots:
As you can tell, we aren't taking running too seriously. Prayerfully, the same thing won't be said of our faith.
