I ran a 10k on muddy mountain trails last Saturday. There was a guy running in the rear. Well, running half the time, walking half the time. He looked like he knew what he was doing, but he was slow, labored, very careful. He knew the trail etiquette–stepping aside as packs of faster runners went by. He had mud spatter on his legs, but no smears–which means he was able to navigate the trails without going down. He just kept plodding along. He never stopped, he didn’t seem bothered by all the people passing and the occasional comment overheard: “man, he’s slow”.
In the years past, I ran by a lot of guys like this. The thing that was different was that this time, I was that guy. Partly because I’m out of shape, trying to get back. Partly because this was my first organized run in four years. Partly because I was nursing a sore knee. And mostly because I’m getting older:-). I finished the run with very sore legs, but my knee intact. I was 100th out of 110, posting a time that I refuse to put on this page. My daughter-in-law, who invited me to do the run with her, did very well, and I think she was hooked on forest trail running. I know I am.
Normally I would close a post like this with a specific application. I can think of several, but it occurs to me that you might have some insights I should hear. So, after reading this, let me know what insights I should gain:-).
Thanks for reading.
Roy B says
I imagine the most obvious is … humility. But I see hints of passing the torch to the next generation, and perseverance, and growing older without giving up. I think I'm trying to get comfortable at less than the level of yesteryear's performance but not turning into a total couch potato. Keep moving, walking, running, whatever… even if the younger ones are way ahead of you… so you still CAN move at 85 and 90. I guess there's some stewardship in there too – stewardship of the body God has given me.
debberdoon says
I've given this post some thought. In order for you to enjoy your day on the trail, you had to quit striving and surrender. Quit striving to be something you were not; namely your former uninjured, marathon capable young self. Rather, you had to surrender to the fact that you now inhabited a body that was older, has seen a few miles and a few injuries. You had to be honest with yourself, work with what you now have, endure some pain and thus enjoy what was before you.
I've found my walk with Jesus to be like this. I spent many a miserable year striving to be a 'Super' Christian, something I was totally incapable of being; and I might add, Jesus never asked of me. It was only when I surrendered to the fact that I was not, nor would I ever be a 'Super' Christian, but rather a miserable sinner totally in need of the grace given by Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, that I was able to begin to resemble my savior. It was only when I surrendered to the work of God in my life and quit striving to do His work in my life that I experienced the freedom, joy, peace, and so much more that I had been striving for all along.
So I say Randy, surrender to the extent that it is necessary to enjoy that which or Whom you love!