So my 5k "race" was this morning (it wasn't timed, so not sure if it actually counts as a race... they called it a "fun run," but that seems to be an oxymoron). It was bitterly cold, and I did a horrible job of pacing myself. I would sprint and run faster than I could really maintain, then walk a few seconds, then try to catch up, then walk a little more -- over and over.
It was obnoxious, but it got me thinking... (what a surprise!) ...about how I do that in so many areas of life. Including my walk with God. I try hard to go full speed ahead, doing all the church activities and making sure I read a certain amount every day... and then I burn out, and I take some "time off," get away from the people who've begun to annoy me, wait until I feel in the mood to get back into it. And then I overdo it again ...it's predictable and ridiculous.
It was obnoxious, but it got me thinking... (what a surprise!) ...about how I do that in so many areas of life. Including my walk with God. I try hard to go full speed ahead, doing all the church activities and making sure I read a certain amount every day... and then I burn out, and I take some "time off," get away from the people who've begun to annoy me, wait until I feel in the mood to get back into it. And then I overdo it again ...it's predictable and ridiculous.
I also do this with eating and exercise. Decide I must lose weight NOW and go overboard and do crash diets or exercise more than I can really handle... then quickly burn out, binge, and think, "Forget it! Nothing's worth this." I can blame it on my metabolism or thyroid all I want, but truthfully, if I'd just TAKE IT SLOW AND BE CONSISTENT, eating healthier and exercising regularly without overdoing it, my body would be transformed within 6 months to a year, and I'd be developing habits I could maintain for life. If I would allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in my walk with God, it would be fun and alive and exciting... and I wouldn't overdo the church activities, but focus on what God has for me in that season.
So yeah, pacing myself - slow and steady, but consistent -- that is my new goal in those two areas. (And in running.) Throwing off the sins that so easily entangle and trip me up, and running WITH PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for me... amen to that!!
It's so difficult for me because I want it now, I want it fast, I want to see the payoff quickly, and I don't want to have to truly change my lifestyle for good. So to shorten that sentence, it's difficult for me because I've been a bit of a selfish brat! But I'm going to work on that. ;-)
Great thoughts... good stuff... thx for sharing.
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