In honor of turning 40, I set for myself the goal of completing a half-marathon. To get started I purchased a running magazine, new shoes, and a training schedule. One of the first things I recognized in both the magazine and the schedule was "the long run". Ideally, the runner is encouraged to run several shorts runs throughout the week and a long run on the weekend, building up to the goal of 13.1 miles.
Last weekend was the first warm, beautiful weekend we've had since winter set in, and I took full advantage for an outside long run. The training schedule called for seven miles, and I was ready. I run a very familiar route that can easily be converted from three to five to seven miles. Because I've been running for nearly a year now, I know almost every mile-marker. By nature, I'm a very goal-oriented person. So when I run, I run with the end in mind. I think about what I'll feel like when it's over. I think about not quitting until it's over. And I think about how I'll recover when it's over.
As I set out last weekend, I began the same mental routine. But quickly into the run, a familiar phrase began to ring in my head...."the journey is better than the destination." Huh? I'm just trying to get through this run here. It IS about the end...the finish...the time, I argued with myself. Again, came the small voice in my heart that said to focus on the journey. So, for the next mile, I purposefully made an effort to actively enjoy the journey itself. I began to notice the birds, the clear sky, the cars that passed, and even the dogs that lazily decorated my route. I breathed in the crisp air, and I waved at those that were working in their budding yards. For a mile or two, I prayed for those in houses along the way that I knew. And then for the last mile, I enjoyed my seven-year-old as she rode her bike alongside me.
It was a great lesson for me. It doesn't come naturally, but it's something that I'll be working on from here on out. Something else that I realized on that run was how much my attitude toward running parallels my attitude toward raising my children. On that very run, I realized how much I focus on the "destination" of raising godly children. I have so many goals regarding my kiddos. Often (very often), I get caught up in the "long run" of discipline, training, and teaching. I think more about what I want them to become than I think about enjoying them in the here and now. The goals I have for my children are good and noble, even God-honoring, but when I put the destination before the journey, I'm missing out. When I focus the destination alone of child-raising, I miss the fun and quirky everyday joys of my children. I find myself irritable and less merciful when I only focus on the end.
My long runs are getting easier and, um, ..longer. Short runs now were once long runs. My endurance is building and so are my muscles. The same is happening with my children. Character issues that once took much discipline take much less now. More and more positive qualities are shining through. Spiritual growth is taking place little by little. And I'm learning to enjoy each stage along the journey. I'm learning to breath in the crisp fresh air of three children growing and laughing and making messes. I'm reminding myself to even appreciate the hurts, confusion, and difficulties of an almost-teenager. Above all, I'm prompted to recognize that the Lord is ultimately in charge of the journey AND the destination. He guides my steps and my path. He directs the short and long runs of life. Each day is a journey to enjoy...to look around and drink deeply from life....to appreciate the birds, the people, and the blue sky of the moment.
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4: 11-12
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