Why I Love to Run
By Lisa U Maki
I started running when I was 29. That was 14 years ago. It all began as an attempt to be fit. What began as an ordeal on the treadmill became a passion for me. I fell in love with running.
I still prefer running outdoors. It gives me so much peace and freedom. There is something about nature that draws me closer to our Creator, our Yahweh. Whether it is the trees, the beach, the mountains, the sunset, or the wind, every creation of God just leaves me breathless.
I remember running one morning on the running trail at Orting, Washington. I was so awed with the magnificence of Mt. Rainier. Suddenly, I heard some singing voices. It sounded like angels. I looked around me and didn't see anything or anyone. Then I looked up and I saw a flock of birds on a tree, chirping and singing what seemed to me was some hymn in church. Right there I was caught in the presence of God. It was so beautiful!
I can talk endless when it comes to my breathtaking experiences running outdoors and just connecting with God through nature. It has given me so much peace, a break from the stress and monotony that this crazy world can bring.
Most of my best ideas came while I was running -- a new project, the birth of a ministry, a new song, a new article to write. God has spoken to me so clearly, several times during my run. One incident I will never forget was when I decided to run one afternoon because I was feeling something I could not understand. There was some agitation in my spirit, some restlessness that I could not explain. I prayed and prayed and it didn't go away. So I decided to run. While I was running, I heard a voice in my mind telling me to go back home and open my Bible to a certain page. I did as I was told and opened my Bible to that specific page and it was in Ezekiel about how God will punish church leaders who are not taking good care of their flock. At that time, I was a full-time church worker and leader of the women's ministry in our church. Though I knew that there were some problems going on in the church, I still could not understand its relevance to the Scripture that was being revealed to me. I called up our church secretary and told her what happened. She admitted to me that there were indeed some things going on that I knew nothing about. She told me to keep praying. A year later, God exposed what was going on and the leader was removed from church. Again, I can talk endless with regards to ideas, visions, and revelations that came to me while I was running.
Running has also been a real good outlet for my hurt and anger. Instead of sulking or venting my anger out on someone, I choose to run. In fact, I run faster when I am angry; then the anger subsides as I run more. I feel that as I breathe out, I am also able to release whatever hurt or anger I feel inside of me.
Running has also sustained me during my waiting time. All in all, I waited for three years to be with my husband: two years of waiting to see him again, and another year to finally be with him here in the U.S. During those times and while I was running, I kept telling myself, "Someday you will be running in a totally different place". I kept seeing visions of me running here in Washington and being with my husband. Another time, when I was running and feeling down I asked God in my heart, "When will I finally be with my husband"? And again, I heard a voice in my mind who said, "Imagine you are running on a treadmill right now. If I accelerate the speed of this treadmill, will you be able to catch up"? I then realized that God was telling me that His speed is based on my pace. He will not accelerate anything that I am not ready for.
So you see, more than its physical benefits, running has definitely been a mental and spiritual exercise for me as well. I can honestly say that it has benefited me spirit, soul, and body.
God will hold us accountable for what we have done with this temple that He has given us. Start taking care of it now. I encourage you to make running or at least walking a part of your regular routine. The best part about is IT IS FREE!
Lisa Maki is the founder of God'z Gurlz, a Bible-based online magazine for women whose mission is to is to provide a place where women can learn to manage their emotions, experience healing, receive love and acceptance, be free to be who God made them to be, and be the best they can be in their homes, schools, professions, relationships, and calling, through sharing of insights and experiences, counseling, prayer, and devotionals, thereby learning from and supporting each other. For more of Lisa's articles, visit http://godzgurlz.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_U_Maki Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6753259