Running, Stress, and Grace

Here's a confession: I detest running. That's it, plain and simple. It's not the pain; actually, I really appreciate the pain, that good hurt which comes from exercising. I'm not really sure what it is that this abhorrence has sprung from, but whatever it is, it's bad!

Even though I really don't enjoy it, most of the time I have kept up running. I've done something. I'd go through little spurts when my motivation totally ran dry. That might not be true: I never had much of a motivation (other than to simply keep fit and trim). I'd go through spurts where I just plain gotten lazy. Recently I've gone through a rather long one, and I've felt it.

Have any of you other slacker exercisers ever had that feeling. You go without doing your workouts for a long time, and you find yourself feeling awful? I've been that way for a while now. For one thing, I can see it on the *ahem* figure. For another, I've gotten that strange, heavy, dirty feeling that comes from refusing to exercise. But, most of all, I've seen it in my stress level.

And, oh, do I hate that word -- stress. I'm always ranting to my family members how feelings like stress and depression only come from a lack of dependence on and trust in God. However, the fact of the matter is that even I (the oh-so-perfect one) get stressed at times. I take my eyes off my Savior and place them on my circumstances and emotions. What a messed up way of thinking! When my stress level goes up, I know what I need to do -- spend more time with God, in the Word, and in prayer.

I've guarded some extended periods with God more recently as the tension has escalated. My quiet times have been so, so, so much more beneficial and substantially longer. My prayer time too has gone from the occasional check-up, to routine heart-pourings. I've sought prayer from others, which helps tremendously. (For those of you who are struggling with something, seek prayer from others. You'll be amazed at how God uses the words of other people in amazing ways!)

Tonight, however, I feel so at peace. What's the difference? I went on a run. Before ya'll start hounding me for being all "un-spiritual" and claiming that running is better than praying, just chill for a minute. I'm not saying that at all; in fact, I'm attempting to relay a totally opposite message. Just as I said that God uses the words of others in fantastically powerful ways, God used running for me in a way I never expected possible. Through a cool night run, God brought peace. He showed me little, simple wonders that I've missed so badly by avoiding running and, consequently, the out of doors.

Do you see what I'm saying? God used something I detest, to bring me peace and renewing. He used running to remind me of His steadfast love and awe-inspiring power. And, to throw some icing on the cake, God let me see beauties in nature I so missed without realizing it. Isn't He good? Isn't He kind? I'm so amazed that I am loved by such a God.

Ya'll should know me well enough now to know how much I lack the skills for a booming conclusion. Let me end with this: Remember that God is so, so, so much bigger than you (and me!). He is utterly and completely amazing. He sweeps me off my feet and makes me fall head over heels in love with Him continually. Remember that He uses the little everyday trials and tribulations (oh, the monotony of running) to guide us to a better place.

What can we do but praise our glorious Creator for His splendor, His goodness, and His majesty? How can we not fall upon our knees and praise Him?

(Photo Credit: Jogger, Larry Silver)