What’s Behind You

Now that spring has started to sprung (poor english intended), it has been so good to hit the streets again for a run. The “dreadmill” was a blessing to have, but believe me when I say it is no way to train for a half-marathon. Outdoor training is just different. Running outside also offers changes in scenery, smells and different terrain. It was during a recent run that  I was reminded again of something I am just not good about.

There is a training loop that both my wife and I do that involves running on a very busy road with no sidewalk. I hate running that loop, but it’s one of the few places to get “hill work” around us and offers a good mix of terrain. It occurred to me recently as I turned on said road that it is another reminder of one of my “thorns” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). This road also involves running with the traffic (coming up behind you). I highly prefer traffic coming at me when I have to run on the road because I can tell if someone sees me or not. I am no fan of not knowing what is coming up behind you….and when.

What occurred to me today is that this road doesn’t bother my wife at all. She jumps right out there and runs like it was a bike path. She is safe, but not concerned about what could be coming at her. She stays focused on her journey and what is ahead. We are so different. I spend the entire 3/4 mile stretch worrying. I actually pick up my pace in an effort to get it completed before I get struck by a vehicle. Like I said, I hate that stretch.

Much like running, my wife approaches her life that way (reason #843 that she is my hero). She doesn’t worry about what “could happen”, what “might happen” or danger that might catch her. The danger is real. The potential for something bad to happen is there too. I spend way too much of my time worrying. I live in constant fear. It greets me in the morning, climbs on my back and stays there all day. I have lost so many hours of my life worrying about what could happen. While it could happen, the journey is ahead, not behind. Bad things happen to great people. Tragedy catches people off guard all of the time. Yet they don’t live in fear of it.

I do.

Just being honest and real and admitting it is the first step.

**UPDATE!!! – The day after I wrote this post, THIS NEWS STORY hit the web. I’m just sayin’….that’s all.