Water

Over the past couple of years, I've really grown to appreciate water.  It's not a tasty or exciting beverage, but I'm constantly reminded of how much I need it.  There are a lot of times though when I really don't want to drink water.  Pop, tea, juice, milk, they all sound so much more appealing to me but when I'm dehydrated nothing can solve the problem like water.  This week, I've been thinking about this and find it really interesting that even though I don't always like or want water I do have a thirst for it specifically.

I remember the song and Bible verse that says "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You"... now STOP and before you think I'm going to get 'cliche' or impose some list of what we should desire, that's not it at all.  It's really the exact opposite for me.  I hear the words to this song and many times think "but I don't long for God.  What's wrong with me??"  Thinking about my body's response to water this week has really helped put this concept into perspective.  I don't long to drink water.  It's not fun and exciting to drink water.  I'd rather order a nice raspberry sweet tea at restaurants, but I force myself to get water... Why?  Because it does my body good.  It prepares my body for running. It's the only thing that really satisfies my thirst.  So it is in my relationship with God.  Often times I'd rather watch TV, read a book, shop, sleep, or just zone out than read the Bible.  It just doesn't sound fun to read the Bible sometimes.  But, I haven't given up on it... Why?  Because it does my soul good.  It prepares me to face a difficult day.  It's the only thing that really fills the emptiness in my heart. 

The Bible tells me that my heart is desperately wicked and does not desire God, but that my soul longs for Him.  I couldn't understand this at first - it seems like a contradiction, but this week, thinking about water has made it really clear!  ... in so many areas of life what I desire and what I need don't always match up - Lord, help me to see these areas and choose the best route!

Heaven

It's always tough to imagine what heaven will be like.  I like to imagine that in heaven I'll look like Tinkerbell from Peter Pan.  Basically, I just want to be tiny and have wings so I can flit and fly around everywhere.  I suppose that if I don't have wings, the second thing I imagine I would have is the ability to run like a gazelle or a cheta!  I also imagine that the scenery in heaven will be exquisite and there will be an endless supply of new places and vistas to explore. 

It was actually the lyrics of a hymn I just heard on the radio that reminded me of these thoughts:
In mansions of glory and endless delight;
I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

For me these words are packed with emotion... glory, delight, adore, sing, love... but the imagery is tougher.  The closest I come in my daily life to experiencing a sense of God's glory, delight and adoration is when I run.  When I see the beauty of His creation, feel the fresh air in my lungs and on my skin, and marvel at the amazing ability He's given to man to be able to run and tackle all sorts of other physical and mental challenges.  ... Wow, God is amazing and whether or not heaven turns out to be just as I imagine and dream I'm sure it will be totally amazing!

What are your thoughts and dreams of heaven?

RE-fresh and RE-focus

Last week I completed my 4th marathon.  As with most runners, I had several goals ... some of them I achieved and others I didn't.  I had hoped to finish in faster than 4 hours this time, but I had also decided that I would still be happy with the race if I only set a Personal Record.  Turned out that my second goal was more realistic and I finished with a 13 minute PR (only 7 minutes slower than a 4 hour finish... there's always next time).  I was most happy with the fact that I felt great when I finished, was able to walk normally the next day, and now after only 6 days of rest feel refreshed and ready to refocus on the next goal.  I'm excited to see how I will be able tackle the next challenge!

I can't help but think that my spiritual life is similar.  I have several goals in relation to Bible Study, Prayer, Spiritual Growth and Church Involvement.  Some of my goals are realistic and others are not.  I have to allow myself to celebrate when I achieve the realistic goals and not beat myself up when I don't achieve others.  I have to realize that God sees all that I do and He of all people will understand my limitations and celebrate my small achievements.  It gives me such a sense of freedom and an understanding of His love for me when I look at it this way.  He's not shaming me for the goals I didn't achieve.  Instead He's celebrating the small victories with me.  He also allows for me to have times of refreshment and refocusing so I can be prepared for the next effort.  Just as rest is essential for me to run a good Marathon, so are times of rest essential for my spiritual growth.