A Runner’s Thoughts: “We will not be put off from the final goal. We have it hidden in us to attain.” (Robert Frost) The final goal? Eternal friendship with God…
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A Runner’s Thoughts: Life can often pull us down and causes us to struggle however running, [or walking or moving through life another way], prayer and a focus on others always lifts us up. (Adapted from a quote by Jerry Hadfield)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “How can one learn to know oneself? Never by introspection, rather by action.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) So to in the spiritual life…introspection can help us see things about ourselves, but it is our actions, through prayer and service of others that will really help us to know ourselves!
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 too with walking or moving through life another way… So too in the spiritual life also!
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 or even 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, waling or moving through life 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 too if we are walking or moving through life another way…
A Runner’s Thoughts: “I think running is important for my health and fitness. It’s important in terms of my well-being. In terms of managing the everyday stresses, I just think it’s a matter of balance.” (Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger) So too for those who walk or move through life another way…We are always looking for balance in our life!
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 or walking or moving through life another way and prayer take us to another place deep within ourselves today?
A Runner’s Thoughts: “As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” (Joan Benoit Samuelson) And everybody knows, praying is about more than just saying words; it is about our relationship with God, it is about our friendship with God. So, let put our friendship with God into who we are today. Let’s pray as we run, walk or move through life another way!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run!"A thought from time to time about Running and Life! Archives
February 2023
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