The Constant

My new goal is to run 15 miles a week. I am part of an online running group where this goal is acceptable, but they may run up to 30 a week. Peter and I were talking about these women and he said, "I don't know what causes people to want to run that far."

I don't fully understand long distance runners, but I have a few ideas.

Running causes me to think deeply. It seems to quicken the mind. It is probably all the huffing and puffing, and the extra oxygen in the brain!

Running makes me feel strong and happy. There is something about it that gives a sense of accomplishment. There are so many jobs like a stay-at-home-homeschool mom, that really lack
finality. There is nothing that I do that causes me to feel finished. There is always more laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning and lessons to do. When I finish a run it feels good. I did it and it's done!

Conversely, I feel weak while I'm running. It grinds me down to my finest parts and shows me how powerless I really am. Nearly without fail, my mind turns to God. I am thankful for everything that He has given me and who He is. That He would choose to save people, is always a shock to me. So running is highly spiritual for me.

Last night I was thinking about a friend who is moving overseas. She is in her last month in the States and they have packed their home and they are in the "holding pattern" part of the overseas move. My heart goes out to her, because I know the feeling of neither feeling here or there. The feeling that everything has been ripped from you, yet voluntarily.

You have no idea what to expect. Knowing that everything will be fine, you put on a brave face and a tiny piece of you looks forward to the new adventure. The largest part of you is scared and heartbroken, while you silently mourn the loss of your old life.

She came to mind while I ran a grueling hill last night. I prayed for her and realized again, how many people have similar circumstances to ours. I prayed for the quick establishment of her "new normal" and realized again that God is the only constant. He is the only thing that stays the same, here, there or anywhere. Tears came to my eyes, yet again. Praise God for this truth!