I am an adult-onset athlete. I believe that having an active lifestyle is the only responsible course of action for a 73-year old who takes Rom. 12:1 seriously. I owe it to my family to stay in shape for as long as possible. Moreover, I've found the running community to be one of the most compassionate, accepting, supportive, giving, and caring communities I've ever been involved with. Had I known how rich my life would have been as a runner, I would have put on my running shoes much earlier. Staying active is really a matter of discipleship. It's part of our stewardship responsibility before our God. The people you see running races on the weekend aren't any more talented or gifted than you are. They haven't suddenly discovered the secret to happiness. They aren't any different from you and me. They're just normal, everyday people who have discovered that running is a whole-being activity that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit.
Tomorrow my son-in-law and I will be running a 10-mile race in Richmond. When you stand at the starting line of a race, your goal that day is to complete the distance. The difference between success and failure is as simple as taking the next step. I imagine that's how all of life is. "Wherever you are, be all there," said Jim Elliott. He did just that and entered heaven "through gates of splendor." The truth is, every step in life is important. Every step takes us a little bit closer to who we want to become. Every step reveals some new God-given potential.
My hope and prayer is that you will find your next "step" in life and pursue it with all the gusto you have.
Enjoying a light workout before tomorrow's race. 😊