* Running on Grace

 I love to run. Just putting on my running shoes, stretching and hitting the pavement is simply joy. People who are not runners don’t understand the euphoria that running produces. I think it’s a combination of pain in the process and success at completion that makes it so fulfilling. I especially like to run along scenic routes near the water. This brings an added measure of peacefulness to a good run. Lately due to problems with my feet and hip, I have not been able to run. I have resorted to brisk walking, which I still enjoy, but it’s not quite the same as a good run.

One summer while visiting my son who lives in a small, lake front community, I decided to go for a morning run. Having been in his neighborhood before, I felt confident that I could maneuver my way around the lake for a nice two-mile run. After two turns, I was on Grace Road, one of the longest roads in the neighborhood. The weather was perfect, I’d hit my stride and was feeling pretty good so I decided to extend my usual route for an even longer run. Before I knew it, I was lost. I had no idea where I was or how to get back to his house. I just kept thinking in my mind that if I could just get back to Grace Road then I would be able to find my way back home. After many twists and turns, I finally did successfully return to his house having learned an important lesson. When I started out I knew where I was going and I had a plan. When I deviated from that plan, that’s when the trouble began. It was because of “Grace” that I was able to finally find my way.

Isn’t that what our lives are like so many times? We talk to God, we have a plan and then we decide to take a detour of our own design. Sometimes we get hopelessly lost and afraid thinking we will never find our way out of the mess we’ve made. Guess what? We won’t, but God will. It is because of His grace that we return to where we belong. We definitely don’t deserve it, but it’s always there. Just like Grace Road was there waiting for me to find the way back home, God’s grace is always available if we choose to seek it.

So, I encourage you to get out there and move. Whether you walk, stroll, jog or run it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you take care of your body by being active and let God take care of the rest. His grace is sufficient for our needs.

Blessings, Cindy J.