I registered for a 1/2 marathon, something I never thought I would do. That’s 13 miles or 21.1 KM. It involves a schedule of exercise three times a week, one of those times consisting of a walk longer than ever before.
And they just keep getting longer.
This new way of life began mid-January. I started on schedule, actually, ahead of schedule. My type A personality began a few weeks early.
Then – holidays arrived. A blissful week in the hot sun on a sandy shore. A week without training. I wasn’t concerned since I started early. I could easily finish my training schedule while taking a week off. But I didn’t account for the loss of momentum and how it would affect me.
Upon our return I didn’t want to carve out 1.5 plus hours three times a week to devote to training. Not even a little bit. But lucky for me, I’m training with three other women who believe in me more than I believe in myself. They won’t let me stay on the couch. They share their success and struggles and we cheer each other onward. I have no doubts that in June we will cross the finish line together.
Tonight, as I was back on the treadmill for 9 KM, Beth Moore’s words came to mind. “When it comes to Scripture memorization, think marathon – not sprint.”
Interesting.
While I was on holidays fitness wasn’t the only priority to suffer. I am now officially two weeks behind on the Romans Project. And because it has been so long since I have recited the verses in Romans chapter one, I’m losing the verses I once knew. The past few days/weeks out of routine have tempted me to give in and give up.
Think marathon, not sprint cycles through my brain with each step on the treadmill. This is a set back, not the end. I’m in training for something far greater than a medal after 13 miles. I’m after a crown. A well done, my good and faithful servant. A hiding of God’s Word in my heart.
I’m training with a God who believes in me more than I believe in myself. His strength is perfect when I am weak.
So, today is a new day. I pick up where I left off. The verses quickly come back. Fresh motivation surges through my body.
I’m in this for the long haul. It’s a marathon. A race to hide God’s Word in my heart. By His strength I will cross the finish line.
*Kate at her first cross-country meet earlier this year. She is learning to think marathon – in more ways than one.