Sharing my “Why I Run” story
I was recently asked to share why I run to our Team Kensington running group. I had sort of thought about it before but as I now get into the heart of the training and the recent events at the Boston Marathon, the reasons of why I run continue to evolve.
I think it would be easy for me to say that I’m running to “lose weight” or “get healthy” but those reasons began to change as my training over the last 7 months continued and my mileage increased. Now I view running as an opportunity to interact with others, encourage those who are new to it and intimidated by it, as well as be an example to my kids that being active and healthy is the right choice for their free time. For Team Kensington and the Hope Water Project, this is also about the Pokot people in Kenya who do not have access to clean drinking water and dedicating the miles and the hours to them in the “hope” of raising one million dollars for wells.
It is pretty interesting to see how this parallels to my faith. In the beginning, it was truly about me.
How can God help me?
How can God help me stop doing this?
How can God help me start doing that?
Will God be able to motivate me?
As I continued to grow (i.e. “train”) in my faith, I began to do more (i.e. “run farther” or “run faster”).
I would read the Bible.
I would pray daily.
I would serve on Sundays.
I would lead a small group.
I would run a marathon for the Pokot.
Now, my faith is more about serving others and finding opportunities to share it with others so they can understand what it means to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. My life verse is 1 Peter 3:15 and I think it clearly sums up what we are called to do:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”
Hope. We strive for it, not only for ourselves but for others and if we are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit to have hope then why aren’t we doing more to give hope to others?
That is why I run.
If you would like to help me reach my goal of $2,000 for the Pokot, please visit my Hope Water Project fundraising page by clicking HERE.
