My blog is called "Running Toward a Higher Calling" but I've noticed that I haven't been writing much about God. Mostly, I write about running or wedding planning or my family. I find it really difficult to talk about faith or God or religion, mainly because I tend to be very self-conscious when it comes to such personal, weighty and often-times divisive topics.
Lately, I've been feeling very convicted about inviting God to take part in the things that I enjoy the most, such as running. A lady who prayed for me earlier this week encouraged me to pray to and praise God when I run. I sometimes pray when I run, but my prayers are usually requests along the lines of "God, please give me the strength to endure this run to the end" or "God, please make this side cramp go away."
I usually listen to music when I run, but most songs are secular: lots of rock and roll with some hip-hop thrown in the mix. So today, during my run for the Jelly Bean Virtual Race (race report to follow in the next day or two), I programmed my iPod to play my Christian/inspirational playlist. This song filled my ears early on in my run, and I've had it in my head the rest of the day:
I felt like I enjoyed my run a lot more today than usual. Part of it was from wearing a costume for the virtual race, but mostly I just enjoyed being outside, listening to songs that praised God and feeling my heart join in with the verses and refrains, putting one foot in front of the other and feeling God's presence with me every step of the way.
I also want you to know that I pray for you. If you are injured, I ask God to heal you. If you're mourning the loss of a loved one, I'm praying for God to provide comfort to you and your family. I pray for good races and training runs, good weather, good friends and supportive family, and the strength to endure any battles, great or small, that you're facing.
I hope you all have a Happy Easter! Future hubs and I are spending the day with my parents, as we spent Palm Sunday (last weekend) with his parents.
What are you doing for the holiday?
Spending the day with my SILs and husband.
ReplyDeleteA great post to remind me that God should be central during my running just as He is in the rest of my life. Happy Easter - Praise the Lord, He has risen!
ReplyDeleteLove this--share your connection with God as much as you want--totally inspiring Richelle.
ReplyDeleteI get to pick up my parents Easter morning--haven't seen them since Thanksgiving--so excited!
I vaguely remember this verse from the New Testament (I am going to botch the paraphrasing): Unceasingly pray to God.
ReplyDeleteAnd another one from the Book of John (I think):
Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.
Good luck with making God a regular part of your blog. I was considering doing a weekly verse on mine.
Richelle, you are such a genuine person...thank you for the reminder. It seems as if, the Lord gets put on the back burner when he should be on the front burner in my life, way too often. I have so much to re-prioritize in my life. What a great holiday to reflect and remember what He did for us!! Have a great Easter Sunday!
ReplyDeleteA ton of praying goes on while I run, it's such a peaceful, spiritual tine for me.
ReplyDeleteWe spent a quiet Easter day with family.