A Runner’s Thoughts: “But [as] with any obstacle in our lives, there are those moments, despite the setbacks, where there is a glimmer of hope.” (Rebekah Gregory) So to in the spiritual life…

A Runner’s Thoughts: Life can often pull us down and causes us to struggle however running, prayer and a focus on others always lifts us up. (Adapted from a quote by Jerry Hadfield) So to when we walk or move through life another way…

A Runner’s Thoughts: “Running is a thing worth doing not because of the future rewards it bestows, but because of how it feeds our bodies and minds and souls in the present.” (Kevin Nelson) So to with walking or moving through life another way…

A Runner’s Thoughts: “Success rests in having the courage and endurance and, above all, the will to become the person you are, however peculiar that may be.”
(George Sheehan) So to in the Spiritual life but we need to substitute the word, “faith” for the word “success!”

A Runner’s Thoughts: “To me, there is no greater way to achieve clarity than to run alone, or share miles with a trusted friend. Epiphany comes as we sweat it out, or if epiphany is out of reach — then peace.” (Kristin Armstrong, "Bless Your Heart," Mile Markers column, RunnersWorld.com)
 
What a wonderful reflection about running or walking or moving through life another way and the spiritual life. We need solitude and community as people of faith. We need that time alone with God and we need that time with God in the midst of community, family and friends.
 
The definition for epiphany is: 1. a revelatory manifestation of a divine being; 2. a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something; 3. a comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization.
 
In the spiritual life, like in running, walking or moving another way, our epiphanies come when we sweat it out, when we struggle and discover who we are and what we are made of. Even when the light doesn’t seem to go on when God seems out of reach, yet we believe that God is with us so there is peace.

A Runner’s Thoughts: “It’s hilly and you have to watch your step, but the leaves inspire you.” (Carolyn Koleszar) So to in the spiritual life…

A Runner’s Thoughts: “Forgive yourself when you fall short and get out the next day to finish what you started.” (Actor Sterling K. Brown)

A Runner’s Thoughts: “Running transported him, taking his mind to another place, very deep within. Like prayer.” (Richard Christian Matheson, "Third Wind") Will we dare to let running, walking or moving through life another way and prayer take us to another place deep within ourselves today?

A Runner’s Thoughts: “Finally, I could see with startling clarity that the time I had spent experiencing pain on a run was outweighed by the amount of time that I felt good about it. I was aglow. I was invincible. I was thinking I might be able to do it again.” (Alexandra Heminsley – Running Like a Girl)
 
Might we also say this about our faith, our relationship with God? Yes, we do experience pain, struggle, doubt and difficulty but they can be outweighed by the grace, the blessings and the joy we encounter with God. In the glow of God, we become aglow, we become invincible, we want to continue the journey. So, if you are a runner, a walker or someone who moves through life another way, think of your movement as those times when you have a chance to get some clarity in your relationship with God.
 
When we have some time to pray, when we have a chance even in the exhaustion of the end of a run, a walk to feel aglow in the presence of God, to feel invincible and to continue our journey of faith!
 
Run, walk, move strong…run, walk, move with God!

A Runner’s Thoughts: “The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you.” (Unknown) Our journey of faith through life is never without the presence of God.