Fix Me?

"Everywhere you go, I wanna go, will you take me with you?
Everywhere you lead, I wanna be by your side."

~Third Day

Tonight was one of the best runs I have had in my 5K training. I ran the longest and most consistent I have since beginning this program. I believe this partly to be due to the fact I did my run on the treadmill due to weather. This really got me thinking "why"? How can there be such a difference in my performance when I change the course of my terrain? When I run on the treadmill, my pace is so much more consistent, I am not as winded, and I can actually focus better. There is, of course, a simple explanation. You see, on a treadmill, there is a surface beneath me that is continually moving and I do not have the option to simply stop. I could always turn the button that magically allows the momentum to cease, however, I feel so accomplished and free when I am on that treadmill and smoothly running right along. This made me think of my relationship with God. You see, running has been a form of therapy for me. It all started eight months ago when I was in a wreck after someone crashed into me head-on. While it seemed like a mere incident I encountered as part of my life, it was so much more. It was a starting point in my life that would only be the beginning of an eight month and counting journey.

God had a plan the day that woman crashed into me. If it wasn't for my Savior, I would not be able to keep pushing through and looking to Him for the strength and understanding I need to trust Him. My journey with Him is like my relationship with my treadmill. Much like the treadmill keeps me going and allows me to keep my running pace, God does the same. I could not keep pushing forward on this path if I didn't have Him pushing me along and reminding me He's got my back. 

I've been running now for 5 weeks with a two week break where I had to switch to bike riding in order to prevent a further knee injury. I have come to look forward to (most) of my runs each night they approach. In the 30 minutes I am training, I have come to develop my own "quiet-time" with God. It amazes me how much I learn during this time and what all He chooses to show me. The number one thing he has taught me comes from  1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it". I have learned that temptation can mean so many things. Just in my running alone, I could've given up during the first week I began training. I could've given up and told myself that my knee will never be strong enough to run. However, I was given a "way out" to endure that temptation to give up. It was as simple as a bike ride. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, God has invited me to walk along with Him in this journey. Every time I run, He shows me so much! Another reason I enjoy training on my treadmill is the view I have. It may sound dull...and it really is. But, while I am being lost in the music on my playlist and listening to God speak to my heart, I have the view of the door that goes back into our house from the garage. It's a standard door, nothing fancy. What I see, though, is the outline of a cross. It reminds me of what I am pushing onward for, and most importantly, Who I am pushing on with.