Yeah, I used to love running. Esp. on trails. But even on streets and greenways, I'd run and think, "I was made for this! My body- even my soul- loves this!" Then, the IT Band and ensuing knee problems brought it all to a screeching halt. I haven't run at all for quite a while. Haven't biked hardly at all either. My aerobic ability must be darn near nill.
So...I bought a motorcycle. I love being out and feeling the breeze, the sun, nature. It restores me. Yeah, I miss running. Listening to podcasts of Driscoll and Chandler. I miss the feeling of accomplishment after pushing myself to go further, do more. The fitness, the relaxation, the meditation of the rhythmic pat of my feet on the trail.
But I can do one of two things: I can become bitter and regretful and backward-focused. Or I can press on and do what I committed to 27 years ago- enjoy every age for what it has to offer. So...motorcycle. Or at least, more time not running so more time for family and work. And I love my work, so it's not like it's drudgery- I want more time for it.
I can ride the bike to counseling appointments, events, coffee shops (my 2nd office!). Hopefully, I'll be safe and other vehicles will see fit to not kill me. (Like that young teen texting while driving or that really older person having trouble seeing the road!).
I don't know if I'll run again. Right now, I'm not entirely hopeful. But grieving the loss of running seems somewhat silly considering that it's not an eternal pursuit anyway. God is. Love is. Praise is. Helping others in Christ's name is. Building believers who love God and eschew the Bible-belt mentality is. I'll focus on the important and let the temporal roll by. If I can run again, great. If I can't, great. Blessed be the Name.
2 comments:
You should be happy that u can still walk and ride a motorbike? common thats really cool, all girls love a guy with a hot bike.
there are positives and negatives for everything in life but the one moto which cancels out anything is that "Everything happens for the better"
Maybe if u were still running and listening to you podcast really loud u could get hit with a truck, fall down a trail or even get eaten by a tiger in the woods where u run.
so dont worry about running, u can always fill in your life with gaps, because life gives u gaps every now and then and u have to figure out how to fill them.
Couldn't agree more- I am blessed! And...I still grieve running. But that's normal for most runners. And yeah- there are dangers in all things. Whether running, biking, motorcycles or anything else.
Respectfully, I'm not sure that I agree that everything happens for the better. I'm sure that cancer patients might disagree with that. But...as a follower of Christ, in the end I know that it will all be worth it if I continue to follow Jesus faithfully.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Post a Comment