Where the pavement ends…
…is where I find Jesus.
I was on the treadmill for the first half of my long run yesterday. After about three stops I decided I’d had enough.
There’s something about the treadmill that makes it so easy for me to quit. I can just step off and let the belt run and the miles add up without any effort.
It’s also easier to get started on the treadmill. There’s no bad weather, no hills, no cars to dodge. The treadmill in general is just easier.
Yet it’s not better. I’ve never felt more accomplished or happy on a treadmill than I do on the road. I’ve also never encountered Jesus on the treadmill like I do on the road.
First of all, running through the backroads of God’s creation just shows his handiwork. It’s beautiful. There’s always something new. Sometimes it’s a family of deer, other times it’s a little bunny. The trees are always changing and they make such a calming noise as the wind rushes through them.
It’s so peaceful. I’ve stopped listening to music or podcasts lately and just let my runs be quiet time with God.
There’s also the kind people you meet. Like the one time I was so oblivious to the car patiently driving behind me and the lady gave a soft beep to get me out of the way. Instead of being angry, she smiled and gave me a thumbs up as she drove past.
Or the other kind lady who pulled over to the side of the road to see if I was okay. I was doing a workout and was in between sets, and I don’t think my “Yes, I’m fine, thank you” in between panting breaths was convincing enough for her. She asked me two more times, “Are you sure?”
I’ve learned that in the harder things of life is where we find Jesus the most. When things are easy, it’s easy to stop and coast, just like on the treadmill. But when life get tough, we seek God’s strength and grace a lot more. And when we seek, we find
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