Have you ever wanted to give up and throw in the towel because what you are doing is incredibly difficult?
I came to the conclusion recently that I wanted to be a runner. Apparently this has been an on and off desire for many years.
Somehow I had made up in my mind that in order to be a runner, I needed to do certain things: get fancy sneakers, run multiple miles all at once, run all the time.
Turns out, none of that is quite true.
In order to be a runner, you simply, have to run.
In the past, when someone would ask me how I’ve written books, I told them the secret. You have to write. One word, one sentence, one paragraph. Simply, write.
I guess those I’d encountered running made it seem so much harder: Train for a marathon (which I have no desire to do) for a whole host of reasons.
When I started researching what it took to be a runner, the answer was surprisingly simple, yet familiar: start with where you are. Get a pair of comfortable sneakers. If you can only walk, do that, then do a little jogging in between the walking.
I also recognized some things about myself. I had to let go of some things that were weighing me down and making running harder. I whittled the stuff that I carried, to what was necessary. I finally understood the verse: ‘let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us’. Hebrews 12:1b
I let go of some of the things I had been carrying, I kept taking one step ahead of each other, slowly and intentionally, I’m building up endurance, and most importantly.. I’m running MY race.
I’m intentionally not signing up for any races yet. I simply want to show up and enjoy this season. I’m only running the race that has been set for me.
I keep coming to the conclusion, the more intentional I’ve become, the more I’ve slowed down, is the way I’ve been able to accomplish more. I know it’s almost paradoxical, but I’m grateful.
Today, I want you to consider: what are some things you need to let go in order to run your own race?
What thing have you made up in your mind that you need to do a lot to get started, when I reality, you simply need to show up and start (and can make improvements along the way).
My encouragement to you: just do the thing, taking one step at a time. You never know what you’ll accomplish until you start.
Dear Heavenly Father, today, my heart is filled with gratitude. Not because I’m the fastest runner, but simply because I’ve chosen to believe that I can do all things in you, who gives me strength. I’m continually amazed at what happens when I turn everything over to you, trusting that you care about the details.
Side Note: I’ve taken off 4 minutes per mile since I made the decision to be intentional last month.