I love running.
I love the the way the air rushes in and out of my lungs.
I love how running creates a rhythm: how fast my legs are moving, the way my foot goes from heel to toe, and the beat of my heart.
I love pushing myself till I feel like I am going to faint and the energy that I get afterwards.

I came into the realization that I need to get into shape for this summer, so I started to go to the gym again. The bummer part is that I stopped going for about a month and a half, so I feel like I have to start at square one again.

Anyways, while I was sweating away on the treadmill, I thought about how there are different verses in the Bible were our Christian walk is compared to finishing a race. One particular verse in 1 Corinthians 9:25 spoke to me: "Everyone who competes on the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." Strict training is something that I do not practice very well. I see areas in my life where spiritual disciplines are somewhat lacking: fasting, tithing, evangelism.... Another word in a different verse talks about running with perseverance; to never give up. I like the imagery.