A run will do you good…

January 27, 2018

(I admit I’m post-dating this… hindsight…)

So, normally, in most circumstances I’ve found ‘a run will do me good.’ Whether I’m pounding the pavement over stress or in deep thought, or just enjoying a morning run with good conversation, I always benefit from a good run. It starts my day out right, and almost always makes me feel so much better than the days that I don’t run. Often times when I have a slight head cold, going for a run really does make me feel better; whether it’s the air opening things up or the activity breaking things up, I do normally feel better after wards.

I started to feel like I was coming down with a cold Friday night, but took some ibuprofen and started to feel a little better just before crawling into bed. I checked the weather and it looked like a beautiful morning for a run, so despite my husband’s questioning of whether I should go for a run since I was coming down with something, I proceeded to make plans with my favorite running buddy to meet up in the morning. I also had my mind set on getting 10-12 miles in since it was going to be so nice out.

I did have an enjoyable run, with clear roads, 32* weather, good company, and finished with 11 at a pace I was happy with. However, the last mile and a half I was tired and my throat started to hurt… Hindsight… I think if I would have settled for a shorter run or maybe even rested I wouldn’t have been so run down and sick the next two days. However, I’m still thankful to have gotten a nice run in and as stubborn as I am, probably would have still done the same. Moral of the story: Listen to your body and know when you need to rest and when you need to run!

And I’ll share one of my favorite quotes since it’s flu season and all: ‘Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere.’ 😊

A big responsibility…

Every morning on my way to work I listen to the Family Life radio station and like clockwork the last 3-4 minutes of my commute always consists of the radio program ‘A Word With You’ by Ron Hutchcraft. I wanted to share today’s with you because it really hits home. The title is: Driving better when you’re being watched. Here’s the part that I think grabbed my attention most: 

You can be a reason they’re attracted to Jesus or a reason they reject Jesus-a major factor in whether they spend forever in heaven or hell. Did you know that most people who come to Jesus do it because of a Christian they know? Did you know that most people who reject Jesus do it because of a Christian they know?”  (You can listen to or read the whole program here.)

Woah. 

This isn’t the first time I’ve thought about this. I think about it quite often, especially everytime I feel like I’ve screwed up. I don’t want people, especially those who don’t know Jesus yet, to look at me and think ‘if that’s what a Christian looks like, I don’t want any part of it.’ I’m not perfect, I’m a work in progress and always will be, and I have to try my best to remain close to God so I can live the way He wants me to. Life is hard and we’re all human and speaking for myself, I can think of many, many times in the past where I shouldn’t have ‘vented’  or over reacted, or should have bit my tongue or been more patient. At least I can learn from my mistakes and try to do better.  I’m a Christian, a work in progress, and one who wants to turn people TO Jesus, not away! 

On another note, it was a great morning for a run- I love my Friday morning runs…TGIF! 40* on December 1st, I’ll take it!