ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO!

A little over a year ago our church  sponsored a 5K run.I decided to sign up for it along with our entire staff. Although, I had never been a runner before I decided to go for it. I'm mean, come on, how hard can a 5K be, right? (Even with no training). Well, as I found out it's extremely hard when you don't train! I hate to admit it but I ended up walking about 70% of the race. Needless to say I was tired, sore, and more than a little embarrassed. The fact is, running is really no different than most things in life. If you want to be good, then you have to spend the time necessary to practice, train, and prepare. SO…after that initial 5K I decided I was going to become a runner. Let's see, what did do first?

I went to the closest "Runners" store; bought new tennis shoes, new shorts, and yes, new socks that went up to my knee. (I'm sure I get a lot of funny looks when I wear them running). I bought Jeff Galloway's book on running (he's considered one of the guru's on proper training for running). I figured if I'm going to be a runner then I owed to myself to at least try and run the right way (and try and look good too)! What a journey it's been. After about 6 months of what seemed like torture; I discovered that practice, consistency, and perseverance really does pay off. I started to see improvement in my time, my pace, and how I was feeling over all. I had dropped about 25 pounds and felt better than ever! Since I first started running and since that initial run a little over 13 months ago, I've run in the December Rush 10 K with my son, and the Seattle Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon race with my daughter-in-law; finishing both races without stopping. (Yeah!) I'm continuing to train as I hope to run in the Seattle Marathon in November of this year. 

Interestingly, along the way I've learned some incredible insights about running and life. One, if you really want to be a good runner you have to be willing to run in both good and bad weather. I can't tell you how many times leading up to my 10K and 1/2 Marathon races I wanted to excuse myself from running due to wet, windy, and cold weather. (More times than I care to admit). Fortunately, most of the time I didn't, which helped tremendously during my 10K and 1/2 Marathon races.

 

Secondly, I discovered if you wanted to be a good runner you had to fight through "sore muscles", "sore feet", "aching back", "toenails that came off" "blisters" and a lot of other "sorenesses" that I didn't even know existed! (Again, all of that helped prepare for my future races). It was painful but I'm so glad I was able to fight through it.

 

And then thirdly, I discovered the joy and feeling of accomplishment that comes when you put in the hard work of training, fighting through fatigue, and staying committed to the process for what it takes to become a good runner. Interestingly, no matter how long you run those three things never go away. Staying with the process allows you to build upon your wins along the way.

You may not be a runner, but the three insights apply across the board. No matter what you choose to do in life, you have to keep going even when conditions are good or bad. Sometimes you have to push through when your tired and exhausted physically and mentally. And eventually you will reap the rewards of all your hard work.

Are you ready to run?  Let's go!

 

Pastor Dave

Freedom Is Never Free

Veteran's Day always reminds us of the conflicts of the past and present. Recently, I was invited by my granddaughter Jaylah, (she's in the third grade) to come to her school for a Veteran's Day assembly.  There was a special section reserved just for Veterans and fortunately for me, from where I was sitting; my granddaughter and I were able to make eye contact; which we did several times during the next hour as they honored all the Veterans who had previously served in the military or who were currently serving.  Jaylah was so excited because she knew that at some point in the ceremony I would not only be receiving a carnation honoring me as a Veteran; but that a picture of me taken in my Air Force uniform would be shown to the entire student body in a slide show.  So as soon as my picture came up on the screen she looked over at me to make sure I also saw it and then gave me a BIG smile! 

 

I so enjoyed their presentation as they sang and shared the history of Veteran's Day. Each man or woman who served, whether in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marines; was asked to stand to their feet so they could be honored in front of everyone. I'll be honest with you, even though I haven't been in the military for decades, it felt good to be honored and appreciated for my service. I actually got a little emotional!

 

At the end of the ceremony as they were thanking all of the Veterans for coming and for serving the emcee said, "If it wasn't for your sacrifice we wouldn't have the freedom we have today."  It occurred to me once again that freedom is never free - EVER. It always takes the sacrifice of an individual or a group of people who are willing to pay the price - sometimes even the ultimate price - with their lives. It felt good to hear someone say, "Thank You." 

Later, after I left the gym, I thought to myself, I bet God loves it when we take the time to tell Him "Thank You" too.  After all, if He hadn't been willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for us, as Christians, we wouldn't enjoy the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ. Freedom from guilt, freedom from worry; living life with purpose; and knowing that our eternal destiny has been secured for us.

 

Just as I felt honored by a simple show of appreciation, I think God feels honored when we do the same. If you haven't taken the time to express your love for what Jesus did for you by giving his life; why not start today with a single "Thank You" .

 

~ Pastor Dave