This past weekend was supposed to be a 13-mile long run. Other commitments on Saturday and Sunday morning pushed the run to Sunday afternoon--mid-90's and high humidity. It was downright unpleasant and I did not do all 13. From the first step it was a miserable experience. Not to complain--because that is not who I am, but instead, to recognize that even the good things are not always pleasant if you do them long enough.
No question. I love to run. But that doesn't mean that I love every day of running, or that if I hit a stretch of less-than-enjoyable runs, then I must not like running any more. Why should it be any other way for running? Other aspects of life are that way. Think about kids. If we only like our kids when they are well-behaved and cheerful and fun, then we would only like them for a brief time. If we gave up on them when they became unpleasant for a while, or a season, then we would not be fulfilling our responsibilities as parents and we would miss the wonderful times that follow the trying times.
The same may be true with following Christ. Sometimes it feels wonderfully fulfilling and restorative and affirming, but other times it seems like a chore. Only by persisting through the less pleasant times do you get back to the fulfilling and affirming place.
Today is a rest day and tomorrow I anticipate another pleasant run. And if tomorrow's run is not, then there is always the next day.
The Persistent Journey -- toward authentic living in an inauthentic world
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