Do you know why I love running so much?
Not because of the cardiovascular benefits.
Not because of the endorphin release.
Not because it feeds a twenty plus year obsession.
Not because I hold any illusions of ever being a size 8 or even a size 10 again.
Not because it’s an escape from my children.
Not because it puffs me up.
Not because of the great outdoors.
Not because of any of these reasons.
I like running for many of them, but the reason I love running is that when I am running, I experience a closeness with Jesus that I don’t experience at any other times during my week. When I run, my heart feels most ready and most willing to meet him. Most amenable to the idea of the sky splitting wide open and of my running home to be with him forever.
Perhaps you’ve known this feeling. I imagine it comes to each one of us in different ways via different venues … at least I hope it does. When God meets us in an intimate forum, on familiar ground and with consistent measure, we cannot help but want more of him and, therefore, move our hearts toward him.
Whatever gets you to the feet of Jesus this weekend, do it. Meet him where you’ve met him before, and should the sky split open and your faith catch a glimpse of your glorious forever, cradle that moment in your heart as a sacred gift from a gracious God who loves you.
Who came for you. Who waits for you. Who longs for you... just you. Come and worship your King this day.
As always…
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26 comments:
Loving it! Took a walk today and a lot of life's mysteries were solved. Thank you, Jesus!
I would love to run....if only my knees would agree! Really - you just make me want to run even more:) Enjoy each run...and thank the Lord for all the ability (and cooperating body parts) to be able to run! :)
I envy your love for hitting the pavement. He meets me on long walks, though, so I think I might understand where you're coming from.
May your weekend be blessed and your time with your Jesus precious.
Big hugs,
Melinda
I love how you describe how you feel when you run. It reminds me of the movie Chariots of Fire. Olympic runner Eric Liddell tells his sister how he feels God's pleasure most when he runs! I loved that movie.
I think you should do a guest post for Fitness Friday one week. You are very inspirational and a great writer Elaine.
Blessings,
Debbie
Jaw-droppingly beautiful.
I don't run, but I love to exercise.
I don't know what exactly puts me at His feet in such a constant way. Worship music, just stillness and being still before God.
A transformational book. One that leads me straight to His feet. Love that. God is so good.
We have a busy weekend ahead. A district meeting tomorrow morning and a dinner tomorrow evening. Of course, there is church on Sunday, Sunday school lesson to do, etc.
But, right now, I just want to stop and bask in Jesus' love and open my heart to His presence.
Take care. Be blessed, dear, dear friend.
Andrea
There is this cozy place in my house that is just my own little space and I don't even have a comfy chair, but you know when I sit, removed from the world my head uncluttered it's like God saying...there you are I have been waiting...
Awesome.
Your thoughts on running has given me a new perspective.
I feel the same way walking the dogs. I often wonder what people are thinking when they see my mouth moving but its just me and the doggies :)
I TOTALLY understand, although my Jesus-high is when I am walking. I have walked for exercise for 23 years and it is when I do my best conversing with the Lord.
Run on, dear sister. I'll keep walking. We will certainly keep ourselves and our Lord in shape, won't we?
Leah
I walk and talk and listen.. I am calmed as I hear HIM speak... HE always has something to say to me... I am grateful!
This was a lovely post, bless you.
A "prayer closet" needn't be bound by walls as you've rightly pointed out here. I'm not surprised that your running is a conduit to worship.
Whether I'm walking (no running for a sassy) or just sitting in the yard, nature always asks me to bow before Him.
Enjoy your weekend, dear Elaine.
Kathleen
Before arthritis, I ran like that and I also had that exact feeling. What a treasure it is.
Since then, I have found that closeness when my heart is in the right place. I can't expect it to occur unless I invite Him to be near me. But when I invite Him, when I pause long enough to think on Him and praise Him ... He overwhelms me like a goose-down comforter.
I just love this entry of yours. Beautifully written, as always, and it helped me remember how important it is to keep that flame lit -- to make my love for him habitual.
Come and worship, come and worship, come and worship, amen. Your post got me thinking about where God meets me most and I have to say in the eyes of those who seek Him. When I read your posts, teach 10th grade girls, talk to my children about Him...that's where He meets me most. May our lives be in a constant attitude of worship.
I'm seeking this all over again. I'm having trust issues at the moment surrounding my recent marriage situation. Please remember me/us in your prayers.
I'm sitting here with tears streaming.
Oh Elaine... Thank you so much for this beautiful post and the lovely worship song. Both brought me to the feet of Jesus in love, awe, worship and thanksgiving! God bless your weekend...
Love the image of running home to be with the Savior forever...
Blessings!
I'm more of a walk-runner (heavy on the walking part) but I know what you mean when you say you experience a closeness with Him that is different from the rest of the week. I find that is so true for me as well. Thanks for the reminder! I'm slipping on those tennis shoes tomorrow!
Blessings!
Lori
I love your new blog design - so soft!
I've been away for awhile.
Praying all is well.
Here is my new blog address:
www.consideringitalljoy.com
Blessings, Cindy
We should get together for a run sometime!
Sweet dreams.
It's mind-boggling to think that the Most High longs for me, just me. But I think I'm getting it - as I mother my daughters and long to connect with them, it gives me a glimpse of how much the Father waits for us and desires to commune with us.
Love the new look!
Beautiful sharing Elaine. I often feel this way when I'm prayer-power walking. It's my time with HIM. One of the times I hear Jesus clearly ministering to my heart.
I love you and thank you for your recent prayers for me and your words of encouragement. Please know that my prayers stretch forth for you and your family.
Oh how neat!!
Thanks for sharing this with us Elaine.
I know the Lord enjoys meeting you too.
LOVED the song♥
Never took to running myself. Never got that euphoric feeling everyone talks about. My meeting place is my front porch, in my swing, on my bottom. LOL
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