Running for Leisure

Sunday afternoon, before the thunderstorms came, I was able to go out for a "leisurely" run and I enjoyed every moment of it! Webster defines "leisure" as "freedom provided by the cessation of activities." Having had such a busy week and unable to run like I desire, I was thrilled to have a day where activities ceased!

It had been four days since I had run, so my legs were ready to go! It was a good run and I thought about going 4 miles, but stuck to 3. This week I think I'll try to get in at least one 4 miler. It was nice to have certain activities and pressures behind me as I ran. It was also nice not to have the pressure of trying to maintain a certain pace or trying to pump out your best time as in a race. I just ran the way I wanted to. If I wanted to slow down to look at the tulips or watch a young mom on a walk with her infant and toddler struggle through the challenge, then I did. If I decided to pick up the pace on a hill and work it out using arm strength, then I did. I just ran at my leisure. Running and watching. Watching kids on their bikes. Watching the trees sway in the breeze, abloom with pink, white or purple. Watching the darker clouds in the distance rolling closer. Noticing how long the grass is too! I don't know where our neighborhood mowers are, but I sure wish they'd show up! I didn't run in the grass because it was way too long.

It was a good run. I shot some hoops with my daughter when I returned until the storm rolled in and we ran for cover!

Ceasing activities to spend time with Jesus is critical to mature in Him. When I am busy, even busy about the Lord's work, I can still get homesick just to be with Him in quietness, in prayer, and in sitting at His feet as I read the Good Book! I am looking forward to this coming week. It won't be as busy as last week so I'll get more leisure time with Jesus.

"I will walk at liberty, for I seek Thy precepts,
I shall delight in Thy commandments, which I love,
I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandmends, which I love; & I will meditate on Thy statutes.
O how I love Thy law!
It is my meditation all the day.
I love Thy Word above gold, yes, above fine gold."
Psalm 119: 45, 47, 48, 97, 127