I ran a 5K earlier in the month and it must go down in history as my fastest completion time for a 5K. During the race about a half mile in, the Holy Spirit started talking to me. The funny thing about the Holy Spirit is that if you stay prepared, He will talk to you anytime and anywhere. "Life is just like this 5K", and I was like really? Then we started having a conversation that birthed this blog post.
1. We all start together but we don’t usually finish together: I ran the race with four other women, and we didn’t get to the finish line together even though we started together. The same principle applies to life, just because you went to college with someone doesn’t mean you all will get jobs at the same time. Everyone will have their time, be patient .
2. There will be times when you will want to quit running your race, don’t! keep pushing and rest along the way:Whatever you do, keep moving. The last time I went running was last Fall. I was tempted to stop in the middle of the run, instead I slowed my pace to catch my breath and resumed running when I was okay. If you find yourself doing something for the first time and you are tempted to quit because it got hard, please don’t; keep pushing you will get through.
3. People will pass by you, don’t be discouraged. Use that as motivation to keep going: In life there will always be people doing what you want to do, don’t get jealous of them. Pray that God should bless you in your own time. Use them as a point of contact for your prayers.
4. You will pass by people, cheer them on as you do because everyone needs to be encouraged: When it is your turn to shine don’t forget those behind you. We are blessed to be a blessing.
5. There will be people cheering for you on the side lines, lookout for them: Find your people, we are not meant to do life alone. When things get hard you need your support system to help you. In turn you will help your tribe when they need you.
6. There will be people that are positioned at strategic places to make your run easier: We had people at the half way point giving us water and Gatorade. Find your people, this is worth mentioning twice. "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together"
7. Pace yourself, you don’t have to run like the next person: Run your race (literally). In life we often compare ourselves to others without knowing the back story. I work out regularly but I don’t run regularly so it would be a disservice to myself if I compare my pace to someone who runs 5 miles daily. Run your own race.
8. If you keep going you will finish: Just keep going, ask God for strength. His strength is readily available to you. In the journey of life keep doing what is good and the Lord will reward you if you don’t give up according to Galatians 6:9
That was my conversation with the Holy Spirt last saturday. I hope it blesses you.
I had so much fun running this 5K with these amazing women.
Question of the day: Will you run a 5K, Yes/No?
Until next time, remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
