Sticking With It

Winston Churchill once stated "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."  I like the quote.  I believe it speaks to human nature and the inherent drive for improvement.  In the broader scope I believe God is constantly molding and shaping us to be the person he has called us to be.  That involves being willing to change things about ourselves.  We are in a fallen and imperfect world.  Because of that we will never be all that God had originally intended for us, but we can constantly strive to be that person and rest in the grace given to us  by our Savior.  On a more narrow scope, if we never change or try new things we will have a hard time creating new experiences, opportunities, and growing as individuals.   

The greatest respect needs to be given for anybody who decides to start running.  The act of lacing up your shoes and taking the first step speaks volumes to who you are.  Whatever it was that got you out there in the first place, whether it is personal fitness, running goals, quiet time to yourself, or any other number of things, those are unique to you.  As with anything this new endeavor will challenge you.  There will be times when you wonder why in the world you decided to ever start doing this.  You will wonder if it is all worth it and want to throw your hand in the air.  I can promise you, whatever your goal or reason for running, if you persist through these hard times you will find the answers and results you were seeking.  It may not come in the fashion or form you thought it would, but you will be blessed.  

I truly believe we do all things to the best of our ability and for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 9:24 states "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize."  The passage motivates me.  As long as we are out there doing the best we can and honoring God with what he has blessed us with I believe he smiles.  Whether or not you are running 100 yards or a marathon it does not matter.  Just take that first step.  The great American track star Jesse Owens stated "We all have dreams.  In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort."  Now go find your dreams and make them a reality.