It has been just over a month since I last wrote to you. Please accept my sincerest apologies. It has been a month of awakening, of blessings and of answered prayer. It is hard to know where to start, so let me start by saying God's grace is sufficient. Don't ever doubt it. When you pray, believe with your whole heart that God will answer. And when he does, remember God's timing is perfect. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:3-4). So I run.
As a watched the sun rise through the slowly thinning branches of the tall thin trees lining the east sky, I ran. I am not a natural runner but a passion is building inside of me and running has never felt better. Eight years ago I tore two ligaments in my left knee. I was more mentally scared than physically limited after my surgery and my recovery to play sports with the intensity I used to possess. Five years later, I severely herniated a disc in the bottom of my neck. It was the worst case my surgeon had seen, even in car crash victims, football players and wrestlers, none of which described me. It was the worst pain I have ever felt and it slowly pinched off the nerve that ran down my right arm. I couldn't sit comfortably, I couldn't sleep more than a few hours at a time, I couldn't even grasp a glass of water. I was in a constant state of tiredness and uneasiness. All I wanted was to gain feeling and muscle back in my right arm. The day of my surgery, with an IV already in my vein, my surgeon saw a glimpse of healing already happening. He canceled my procedure. Three years have passed and I am fully recovered, not because of modern medicine, but because God poured his healing power over me. For the first time in my life, I enjoy running more than ever before. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall (Malachi 4:2, NIV). So I run.
His nervousness greeted me as I entered the coffee shop. It was the first time I saw his face. He was shorter than I expected but more handsome than his photo. I don't remember how the conversation started; I just remember it lasted four and half hours, long after my bedtime. We talked about books, history, family and our dreams as we sipped are tea. We even opened my Bible and began to share where 1 Corinthians 13 encountered us in our daily lives. The following night we were met by a steady rain. He held the large study umbrella over both of us as we watched coed softball while discussing work, church, sports and memories. Five hours passed. I couldn't believe how comfortable I felt, how natural it was to talk to him. To think, I almost canceled on tea the night before. I wasn't ready to open my heart again, I wasn't ready to trust. I was so tired of being let down, so tired of empty words, so tired of fighting [alone] to keep God in the center. But God was there while we sipped tea and hid under the big umbrella. God began teaching me what a Christ-centered man embodies. God poured his loving grace over me. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV). So I run.
The packing list stares me in the face. Only two items have been checked off. I am overwhelmed. How could I be this far behind? Training is in three weeks. I haven't had time to shop nor do I like to shop. I don't know where to begin. I need help! My email pops up and an alumni racer who lives near my hometown introducers herself and asks how am I doing on preparing for my race and if I need help figuring out my gear. "I remember my time before the race and having so many questions," she says. "I am here to answer any of them." God poured his provision on me. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, NIV). So I run.
I run for God. I run because I am healthy. I run because love is waiting. I run toward the calling He has for me. I run because God is my healer, my leader and my provider. I run because He's asked me to. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:16-17)
Are you running? If not, will you?
