Running challenges me. I enjoy pushing myself to see how much I can accomplish. It takes planning, and as a big planner, that’s a part of running I love. I map out my training for the week, the race, and even the year. Hitting my goals gives me a deep sense of accomplishment.
As I get ready to head out for State Cross Country weekend, I’m reminded of why I love running. Watching the fastest high school runners in Minnesota push their limits on the course is inspiring. Seeing their dedication brings me back to my own running journey—the excitement, the nerves, and the feeling of crossing the finish line. It’s a reminder that every race, whether theirs or mine, is an opportunity to give it our all.
After a long run, I often feel the infamous "runner's high." During my runs, I can be alone with my thoughts, pray, listen to music, or simply enjoy the silence. Life is chaotic, but my runs are my stress relief.
Then there's the race itself. The days leading up to it can be stressful. Philippians 4:6-7 pops into my mind: "Do not be anxious about anything..." but I find myself anxious about everything—the weather, my clothes, what to eat (or not eat), whether I've hydrated enough, what time I should leave, and whether that random pain is an injury. I stress and try to control it all.
When I stand at the start line, my thoughts often wander to: "Why am I doing this?" It’s fear—fear of failure. I wonder if I’ll go out too fast or too slow, or if an injury will surface. But then the race begins, and I start putting one foot in front of the other. In those moments, I’m thankful, I pray, and I trust God to carry me through the race.
And when I cross the finish line, it’s always worth it.
In life, I worry, plan, try to control, and sometimes fear failure. But just like in running, sometimes the key is to simply start. Start the project, start the job, start the plan. Be thankful, pray, and trust God.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Challenge: What is something you’ve been over-planning or worrying about? This week, take a step forward. Start the project or task, and as you move forward, focus on being thankful, praying, and trusting God to see you through—one step at a time.
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