Running is Calling!

The first time I went pheasant hunting was this January. I went with a couple of friends and one of their dogs, she was a German shorthair. The temperature was in the 30's and pretty windy as you can count on in Kansas. We put the dog in the back of the truck and made a couple of stops on the way to the fields we would hunt. When we stopped I got out and pet the dog and admired her, awaiting to see what a Bird-dog could do. When I was petting her I noticed she was shaking and not caring too much for my affection. I said to my friend "She must be cold." He said "No she ain't cold, she knows we're goin' huntin'!" Apparently she was anxious to get out and do what she was made and loves to do!

I can identify with this in my Running relationship.

Yesterday after I ate lunch I was tired so I thought I would take a quick nap and let my food settle then go run. I laid down for about 10 minutes and didn't get a wink of sleep. I got up after 10 minutes because all I could think about was getting out and running. My thoughts of running were so intense I was nearly shaking. Why? I love running! Am I made to run? We'll find out over the next few months. My short-term goal is to run and finish the 32nd Annual Johnston's Wichita Half Marathon on September 20th.

I have really just started running this year over the past few weeks. This week I will only log 13-17 miles. Not too many, but I'm off to a good start already feeling strong at longer distances than I ever have. Right now I will keep upping my mileage and distances each week, then really start training in a few weeks.

Running is Calling and so is Jesus! I can't wait to get out and run most days but on the contrary most days I CAN wait to read the Bible and talk to God. Intimate devotional time is one of the struggles in my life. I feel like I always need to be going somewhere and doing something when Jesus is calling. I often think "Jesus I will spend time with you later", or "Jesus I will be right back". Hours later or sometimes not at all that day do Jesus and I ever get together. He is always calling though. "Brandon, come unto me ye that labor and are heavy laden, I will give you rest", or "Brandon, my son, I love you. I want to teach you. I want to show you great and mighty things which you don't know" Most often I give Jesus what is left of my time and not what is right. He sacrificed His life, He gave up eternity and came to this lowly world to become man, to know how I feel, and how I hurt, and how I function, because He loves me. The least I can do is give Him more of my time.

Tuesday March 24th

Distance: 4 miles

Time: Approx. 37 minutes