I began running 8 years ago. At the time I was 30 lbs heavier-not fat, but soft! My hobby turned into a passion. As I began to drop the weight, I was able to run faster and farther. In fact, this past January I completed my seventh marathon at the young age of 45 with my 20 year-old college buddy pictured here.
When I first started running, I hesitated to call myself a runner. I would tell people that I'm not a runner, I just like to run. I did not view myself as a runner until several years and more than one marathon was behind me. The daily act of running caused me to begin to like the sport. Others began to see me as a runner. I think that I was the last one to get the hint. I say all that to say that in John 15:12-14 Jesus gives us an interesting command-love one another. He tells us that greater love has no one than the one who gives his life for his friend. It is easy to love our friends. But he also tells us to love our enemies. In fact, Jesus said that if we love him we will obey his command to love each other. He did not command us to have a feeling for our brother, friend, or enemy, but to act in a loving way towards them. When we begin to show love, even to those that we consider our enemies, a funny thing often happens-the feelings follow. This week I laced up my running shoes after nearly a 6 month lay-off. I didn't feel too good-my lungs hurt and my legs hurt. But I know that if I continue the act of running, the bad feelings will be replaced by good feelings and I will once again enjoy running. Who knows, there may even be a few more races left in me!
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