Running for strength....

Almost a year ago, I started to run. I began to go for short distances - 2 kilometers then moved to 5...then 8...then 10.., then 16. I interspersed my run with walks as I...well sometimes, back then,  I just literally walked as my knees couldn't take my weight.

I realized that in order for me to progress in my runs, I should practice constantly...continuously. Not only that, I should also prepare my body if I want to increase the length of my run.

I started to look into and change my diet to food that will not only give me enough strength but will also help me shed the extra kilogram I am carrying. It was a long, arduous year but, by the grace of God, it paid off!

I can now run for 10-12 kilometers straight withoutmy knees feeling any pain...and without any shortness of breath. And I am lighter now by almost 17 kilograms from the time I started to run.

But the year wasn't all positive...I had bouts of laziness...especially when the weight loss plateau-ed. I went back to eating food I should be reducing the intakes of. It didn't help that we spent Christmas back home in the Philippines...the lechon...leche flan, longganisa, tocino...those dishes added up kilos to my body.

But I a man with goal...and my heart is set to achieve my end goal.

It is the same with my Christian walk. Oftentimes I put aside what I have set to do. At times,I feel tired, exhausted even, that I opted to "take a rest". I looked for some diversion...something to temporarily change my routine. But deep inside I keep praying to the Lord to give me back the strength....the focus...the joy that I can only find in seeking Him through the study ofHis written words...through the tasks that He's set for me....through the communion and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in faith.

The daily routine of reading His words is like the daily runs I take...His words constantly build my strength to face the day's activities. It gives me the hope of being able to connect with Him. It gives the push to always do my best...and do better each time.  It also helps that I have friends - good friends (pastors, office friend, church friends - all of whom support me with encouragement to persevere.  They share words from devotions, most of the time from their personal devotions.  And they share their lives with me - lives from whom I pick up lessons.

I am very blessed that He has led me back to Him because I know that is the only place where I could feel real joy..only in His presence.

To God be the glory.