Easy Street? (part 1)

"Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites." Philippians 3:17 (The Message)

I am sharing my journey towards commitment with you. I know many people start out wanting a deeper relationship with God or being physically fit in order to honor Him. Then somewhere along the way, they get discouraged or lost and they stop. I don't have all the answers. I don't have all the inspiration in the world but I will run with you.

I only began making a serious lifestyle change when I was 33 years old. Before then, I was truly under the impression some people were born to be athletes and I was not one of them. My road to healthy living started slowly. As I gained abilities, my confidence grew and I sat specific goals to reach each week.

When I was young, running was something I only did if I was in danger but at the age of 35 I aspired to become a runner. Setting goals was extremely important for me. Each objective kept me motivated and the experience fresh. A new desire meant a new plan to see to fruition. Nothing came about unless I planned, got off the couch and worked hard.

On my 40th birthday, I reached my ultimate goal. I ran 26.2 miles by myself. I did not run in a proper marathon. There were no other runners, music or crowds of on-lookers. Very few people knew of my intention. I can honestly say this was the hardest thing I've ever acheived. It was only by the grace of God that I finished. Mentally, the discouragement I threw at myself was the biggest obstacle I had to overcome.

Several months later, I completed the Army 10 Miler in Germany. It was a much different experience. There were other runners, family and friends. I ran beside a woman from Houston and we encouraged each other every step of the way. We paced ourselves. Even though we were some of the last people during the first few miles, we didn't get discouraged. We knew a secret. We knew that there were many more miles to go and we wanted to finish strong.

Now I find myself in a completely different situation. After having a baby and moving, I felt in my heart I had lost my inspiration. My motivation disappeared. Just the thought of physical activity brought out the struggle between my mind and body. I was frustrated. Recently, I made the commitment to begin running seriously again.

The first thing I discovered, the mind does not forget what it has done but the body does. I remember being able to run for miles and now, mentally, I think I can. However, my body tells me a different story. It's the same old battle between the spirit and the flesh. "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 (New American Standard) When I looked back longingly to my past, it almost pained me. I was able to accomplish so much and now, it was discouraging.

Begining
God's Word is so motivating! "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8 (New American Standard) I began by dwelling on the acheivements the Lord allowed me to attain in a positive manner. If the Lord allowed me to build up a strong endurance in the past, He can certainly do it again! I also went back over one basic of physical fitness....start slow!

The Christian walk is like being physically fit. It's just not easy. There are highs and lows. There are times of great fitness and other times when maintaining is a struggle. There are times of great closeness and times of feeling far away.

Maybe, you are on the same path. Maybe, you are struggling to start a fitness program. Maybe, you are finding it difficult to have a relationship with God. Whatever you are going through, focus on the positive steps you have taken. Focus on the acheivements and not the disappointments. Write down the great things God has allowed you to reach! Then ask yourself the question I ask myself each day.

Am I satisfied where I am or will I be brave enough to move beyond this point?
(To Be Continued)