Those who know me well know that I enjoy running marathons. I say "running," but the truth is I've never actually run a marathon (I have to run/walk the last few miles). Still, for me, the marathon will always have a special place in my heart. The act of standing at the starting line 26.2 miles from the finish line is perhaps the ultimate metaphor for living the Christian life. Keep moving -- keep putting one foot in front of the other -- and you will eventually get to the end.
Some people think I'm a very disciplined person because I've run marathons or lost so much weight. That's nonsense. I'm probably the least disciplined person I know. I've always had a laid-back bent that doesn't take well to schedules and deadlines and organization. Much of what I've learned about discipline comes from my career as an educator. I entered the classroom as a teacher for the first time at the young age of 24. For the next 50 years I have never found the "secret" to discipline. I learned, however, that even the most undisciplined person can make regular improvement. Part of my improvement came from the discipline required to complete a really challenging doctoral program in Europe in a foreign language. I learned this as a writer, too. Being a disciplined author means understanding the importance of deadlines and producing quality work. I spent hours and weeks and years writing or editing books.
I wish I hadn't waited so long to start running marathons. But I knew I lacked the discipline needed to finish the race. My impatience just about caused me to give up. It almost cost me the one activity that has given me so much joy. On the other hand, the Lord taught me patience. If you listen to your body and learn to wait patiently for the next breakthrough, your running will become a constant source of wonder and enjoyment.
It's the mystery that keeps me going in my 74th year. Giving into the mystery every day makes every run an adventure. Discipline means not giving up and not giving in. It means refusing to miss the discovery that you are capable of going beyond your wildest dreams.
Run on, my friend.
Run on.
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| At the start of the Chicago Marathon. |