While running in the park on Monday afternoon, I found myself almost oblivious to St. Louis' cold temperature, wind and snow. There's no question conditions were adverse--I saw only two people throughout the entire course of my run--a normally busy park was completely empty.
Despite the cold, I was filled with a complete pleasure! I thoroughly enjoy running, and there's something about being outdoors, especially during inclement weather, that invigorates my mind, body and soul. And so, I completed a 5 mile run, unrestrained by the winter weather.
Stretching afterward in the parking lot, I saw those only two people get out of their car with their dogs and begin walking. Suddenly there was a bark, and the couple shifted pace into a brisk jog. I watched as they ran, laughing while their dogs pulled them along. What particularly struck me about this scene was the man's business suit... including his nice pair of shoes! And there he was, in the winter wind and snow laughing and jogging along, uninhibited by his suit and unrestrained by the weather. I thought to myself, "I want to have joy like that--uninhibited and unrestrained--regardless of circumstances!"
More-so than my running, I've thoroughly come to enjoy God's love and grace in my life, and there's something about running through the adverse times knowing He's with me that invigorates my mind, body and soul more than anything else. Life's seasons aren't always favorable, but knowing His love allows me to "run free" even when things are rough. I don't always enjoy life, but I thoroughly enjoy living because of God's love and the true life He's gifted me in Christ. In His love and His love only, I find complete joy and feel His good pleasure.
Daily His love invigorates my soul. May I be more uninhibited and more unrestrained in expression of that joy which only His love brings me, especially when conditions are adverse.
Going Green,
bek
Despite the cold, I was filled with a complete pleasure! I thoroughly enjoy running, and there's something about being outdoors, especially during inclement weather, that invigorates my mind, body and soul. And so, I completed a 5 mile run, unrestrained by the winter weather.
Stretching afterward in the parking lot, I saw those only two people get out of their car with their dogs and begin walking. Suddenly there was a bark, and the couple shifted pace into a brisk jog. I watched as they ran, laughing while their dogs pulled them along. What particularly struck me about this scene was the man's business suit... including his nice pair of shoes! And there he was, in the winter wind and snow laughing and jogging along, uninhibited by his suit and unrestrained by the weather. I thought to myself, "I want to have joy like that--uninhibited and unrestrained--regardless of circumstances!"
More-so than my running, I've thoroughly come to enjoy God's love and grace in my life, and there's something about running through the adverse times knowing He's with me that invigorates my mind, body and soul more than anything else. Life's seasons aren't always favorable, but knowing His love allows me to "run free" even when things are rough. I don't always enjoy life, but I thoroughly enjoy living because of God's love and the true life He's gifted me in Christ. In His love and His love only, I find complete joy and feel His good pleasure.
Daily His love invigorates my soul. May I be more uninhibited and more unrestrained in expression of that joy which only His love brings me, especially when conditions are adverse.
Going Green,
bek
February 10, 2010 at 11:45 AM
INVIGORATING, I love that word, it's used more often on beauty products these days but your right - it's a fitting word to describe the love of God, there are just so many layers!
Thanks for sharing Bek!!
http://www.christiangalinthecity.blogspot.com/
February 11, 2010 at 1:13 AM
Bek, I love this! No seriously, as I was reading it I was really convicted (in a good way) of not just enjoying God throughout my day...this is such a good reminder!
February 11, 2010 at 10:54 AM
"I want to have joy like that--uninhibited and unrestrained--regardless of circumstances!"
I concur!