GRACE CONNECTION

“Run Baby Run”

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I went for a run today. A 35-year-old man came whizzing by me in a sprint while I was doing “Tim Conway’s” version of running.  You’ve heard the expression, “run for your life!” When I say run, you have to take into account that I’m now 63 years old. That’s why I’m running.  I’m running for my life.

My body reminds me how old I am and will often suggest that I should settle for a rocking chair or a recliner somewhere.  Along the trail is a bench, and I have to admit it looked inviting.  But as long as my legs will carry me and as long as God gives me the strength, I plan to keep moving.  Our bodies were created and designed to move.  If you stop moving, you will start dying.  So I’m running… for my life.

Along the path I take, there are specific markers along the trail that I’m looking for.  They tell me when to settle into a fast walk to let my heart recover.  In this life, we have a race to run.  We have a path to walk.  If we give up on our spiritual journey, we are in serious trouble.  So keep running, but it’s ok once in a while to take it easy while your heart recovers.

Gal 5:7-8  NLT

You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?  It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.

It’s easy to get side-tracked.  It’s easy to lose sight of the truth.  So when you walk and when you run, it’s essential to keep your eyes focused on the goal.  Our journey doesn’t end here on earth.  We are citizens of heaven.  So keep the truth close at hand, and keep your heart set on things above… and run.

And old lady was on the greenway with a cane.  She was somewhat bent over, but she was moving at her own pace.  As I passed by her, I heard her say, “run, run, run.. don’t quit!”  I think God sent that lady to encourage me.  I heard more than just an older woman’s voice; I heard the voice of truth.  “Run, run, run… don’t quit!” 

The leaves were blowing through the air and covering the path ahead of me, reminding me that I have chosen the path less traveled by.  I was also reminded that choosing to follow Jesus has made all the difference in my journey.  We are almost home; we truly are.  So let me echo that old lady’s words this morning.  “Run, baby, run!”  Keep moving forward.  Keep seeking God’s truth and walking in God’s grace.  You don’t have to move like a teenager.  None of us are perfect.  But I challenge you today, no matter how dark the valley or how hard the climb is… don’t quit!

-Joe

Contributors:  Joe Barrett, Dawn Barrett, Megan Shuford,  Haley Rowland, and Heather Barr.

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