Some people call it weird. Some people call it crazy. But I have always loved to run. My dad alway ran when I was growing up so I started running with him. I didn’t always enjoy it when someone made me, like when I was playing sports. It actually depended on the day and what type of running it was. But, even then, I loved to go out and run on my own. I still do. I put in head phones and take off. The problem is I don’t get to do it too often because of our hectic lifestyle. That is until the past 6 weeks or so. I have been able to run a lot more lately. Before, I was lucky if I got to run once every few weeks. That was due to the fact that I usually left before the sun came up and got home after it went down. Living in the middle of nowhere, I don’t run down these country roads when it’s dark. I want daylight. During this time, I have really realized how much I have missed running. It’s like anything else, when you get out of the habit, it’s hard to start back. But when you do, it feels so good. It is peaceful to me. I love just getting away and having no worries and just running.
Now when I first started back a month or so ago, I actually had a few worries. I worried if I was going to make it to the top of that hill. If I did make it, I worried I might roll down the other side. I wondered if I was going to ever catch that deep breath I needed that first 1/4 mile. Those that run know what I’m talking about. But as I have ran more during this time it has gotten easier. I am going further and with less struggle than before. We live on gravel roads. They are gravel roads with all different kinds of rock. Some of it is loose and some is packed. There are also massive hills everywhere around us. I didn’t really realize how massive they are until I was on foot. They don’t seem near that big in a vehicle. So running out here is tough. Pavement is a luxury item. The closest pavement is a mile away. I’m not sure what it is about running that is peaceful to me. If you aren’t a runner, based on my description you are probably wondering the same thing. I’m not sure why I’m drawn to it. But I am and I feel it is important for everyone to have something like this. Everyone needs something that they can go to when they need to get away.
With everything going on right now, we all need something that can help us get through each day peacefully. We not only have the quarantine going on, but we also are making sure our kids keep up with their school work. So those two things alone can make it necessary to have a stress reliever. I’m not sure what yours is. I’m not sure what other people love to do. It is different for everyone. But, it is necessary. Not just right now, but all the time. There is nothing wrong with doing something that helps take care of yourself not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This is so important. I encourage you, if you don’t already have something like this, to find something that fits your needs and interests.
I’ve talked about before that I love my Bible study and prayer time in the mornings after we work out. But, I have to confess, that has been disrupted by the current situation to a certain degree. It is not as consistent as it has been in the past because our schedule is not the same every day like it usually is. That’s normal. Things happen and we have to regroup and get back on track. I’m going to fix it though and get back on track and do it daily. But, it is that time in the mornings that helps keep me in a good state of mind. It is OK to do some things like this for yourself. It is ok to have a hobby. Maybe yours is fishing, working in your shop, woodwork, quilting, gardening, crafts, running, or something else. It is not being selfish, it is staying sane. It is important for you to be healthy in all the areas listed above, not only for yourself, but for those around you.
I challenge all of us this week to find something that helps give us peace. We have to take care of ourselves. Especially those of us that are parents. We all love our children, but if we are all honest, we could go a little crazy with this quarantine if we don’t have some kind of outlet. That’s why I am so thankful I have been able to start running again. I come in from a run and feel refreshed. I hope everyone can find that for themselves. I also encourage anyone, that doesn’t already, to find a Bible study to do during this time. Find some quiet time for yourself. Find something that helps draw you closer to God. Find a time you can be alone. I used to say I don’t have time. I just don’t have time to do that. I am busy from the time I get up until I go to bed. But, what I figured out was I get up every day at some point. Most of the time, just like most other people I assume, I get up about the same time every day. The only time I am guaranteed to not have anything else to do is the time before I normally get up. So that’s why I started getting up earlier than normal and reserving that time for God. I know I’ll never be busy during that time because it is early. There is nothing else going on. No one except my wife is up yet, and she is doing the same thing. So that really helps both of us be held accountable for it.
So I encourage everyone to find something that helps you get away. We’ve all gotta have it. Find something that takes stress away. Find something that allows you to feel a peace about you. I also encourage everyone to find time for God. Phillipians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Our true peace comes from knowing that God is in control and everything is going to be ok. If you have a true deep relationship with God, you know that peace. We’ve all seen and known those people that just have a different kind of peace about them. That is because of their relationship with God. That doesn’t mean that everything is always perfect and those people don’t ever have any problems. No one is exempt from that. But, a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father makes those things more manageable. If you don’t have that, I encourage you to start working towards that relationship. If you need help doing that, find someone you know that can help lead you down that path. I promise they will help you. As much as I like running and as much as that relaxes me, there is no peace like the peace of God! My prayer is that everyone stays safe and healthy during this time. Not just physical health, but mental, emotional , and spiritual health as well. Dig deep, find that relationship with God, and enjoy the peace that comes with a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father!