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Running into the wind

Regular contributor Ruth Lilley has been running, but a recent run was tougher than usual…

When I go for a run I have to go early, because when later comes I talk myself out of going! At the weekend it was a bit windy, which I had not expected. As I was running back home, I was running into the wind and I thought it would have been easier if the wind had been pushing me along on the last part of my run, rather than the first.
 
As I only had my own thoughts for company, I began to think a bit more. Life can feel like running into the wind. Mostly, it feels like that when I am busy and there is lots to think about, but that is fine, as I like being busy. Yet, sometimes, the wind blows, and life is suddenly really hard. Just like running into the wind this morning - you turn a corner, and it becomes really hard to keep going.
 
Something I also noticed was that I would be running into the wind, then I would turn a corner and, somehow, it became even more windy! The wind seemed to be blowing in two different directions! I expect a meteorologist would tell me I'm not correct; however, that is what it felt like! Again, I thought about how, in life, I can feel like I'm running into the wind, then I turn a corner and it becomes even more of a struggle. Something else is thrown into the mix and I wonder if I can keep going.
 
Running into the wind this morning meant a lot of the steps were a struggle, but the thoughts that accompanied those steps made it all worthwhile.
 
I kept going because I knew I was not far from home. I could use what I knew to help me with what I was feeling. It was a tough run, yet I knew that I could keep going, so I kept going. That is something that I can tell myself all the time - Life may be feeling like a tough run, so it is then I need to remind myself that it has been tough before and I will get through it - I will make it home, and it will feel brighter and better.
 
Running is a funny thing! For me, there is no rhyme or reason as to why some runs are easier than others. Even today, I surprised myself when I looked at the time of my run - it was quicker than usual! I can remind myself of that too - some seasons of my life are easier than others. So, when the wind comes, I can keep running, holding on to the hope of the sun bringing a new and brighter day.
 
I can keep running, keeping my eyes fixed on the hope I have in Jesus - the One who gives me strength to run, who runs alongside me, cheering me along.
 
‘…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.’         Hebrews 12:1-2
 
I also know that the direction of the wind will change - so why not apply that to my life as well? As I turn a corner, the wind may blow unexpectedly, yet I can keep my steps firm, knowing the direction of the wind will change.
 
Just keep running!
 

The photo is courtesy of Ruth Lilley.

 


 

ruth starkings 150CFRuth Lilley has recently returned to teaching at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog calledWith Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

 
 
 

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