Do all things...

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I needed to get up extra early if I was going to get my steps in this morning. I had an all day training that is preceded by almost two hours of driving, so my normal morning routine would look different. I set a mental alarm for 4:30 and hoped that I would wake up in time to get this done.

I decided not to wear my spikes as I was going to run the roads. They are mostly clear and there is almost no traffic at 4:30. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, but I didn’t want to run the trails or sidewalks that early. I put on the wrong shoes. I left the house in shorts and a t-shirt. It was 37 degrees with a slight but chilly wind pulling it down to 34. I was a block away when I realized I was not wearing my gloves.

I took all of these things as a sign to quit. Run a quick mile and go home. But my goal was three miles and I was determined to get it done.

The one smart decision I made was starting the morning with the daily devotional in the Bible app. It was 1 Corinthians 10:31, and the message was simple but profound: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”

So, I focused on this. I thanked God for the ability to run, the cold weather challenges, and asked Him how my run could be for the glory of God. This is what I pondered on the dark and quiet streets. How is running for His Kingdom?

About a half mile into the run, my breathing was labored, but I felt okay, so I relaxed my breath and settled into my slow but consistent pace. I noticed my hands were starting to ache. They were clenched tightly closed. This is not a usual thing for me, and it is not good for runners. Your hands should be relaxed, not clenched.

I realized I was tight fisted, not because I was cold, but because I was fearful of getting cold. My hands were actually warm, in fact a little sweaty from being held so tight. So I relaxed my hands and allowed the cool air to surround them.

I am not a novice to cold weather running, but I do not enjoy it. It is a discipline thing for me, a you can do hard things challenge, so once again I was determined to get this run done.

I returned home after three miles, only seeing two cars, no people, and five deer. When you run before 5am, you usually run alone. That quiet time was good. No music, no phone, just the rhythm of my feet striking the pavement and a conversation with God.

As I took off my shoes, I asked again about running and the glory of God. The answer came, I can share my story, not to glorify me,  my run, or this small accomplishment. I can share my story and hope it encourages others. I can share my mistakes to remind everyone that we are not perfect. I can show that we should not let obstacles stop us from achieving our goals and not let minor inconveniences send us back home.

But most importantly, to encourage everyone to release our grip on fear. We often hold onto fear so tightly, and we need to let it go.

Finally, remember, even when getting in your steps today, “Do all things for the glory of God.”




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