Running and Lifelines

Yesterday, the heat was in the mid 90's. It was also pretty humid. But I wanted to run and only found time at 2 in the afternoon. I knew I'd need to bring some water not just to drink, but for dousing over the head. I left the house with 2 bottles, hiding one behind a tree for retrieving mid-way into my run.

Off I went. I decided to just stick with 3 miles and go a nice steady pace. No sprint work today. In no time at all, I was pouring the first bottle of water over my head to keep from overheating. By the time I finished my course, both bottles were empty - half in my belly, the other half over my head.

Unfortunately, there were no sprinklers that I saw and I was thankful I had my bottled water lifelines.

Feeling the cool water on my head and dripping down the back of my neck and the side of my face reminded me of Psalm 133 where we are given a picture of Aaron being anointed with oil and how it ran down over his head, face, beard and robe. It was soothing and pleasant, comforting and refreshing. Of course, the context of the Psalm is about Christian brethren dwelling together in unity. And, unity, has that same effect. It is soothing and pleasant, comforting and refreshing - a lifeline of sorts. When there is unity among God's people, we are equipped to go the distance. I could never do this Christian life without my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Likewise, I couldn't run in 90+ degree weather without bringing water to keep me going. Unity must be preserved by prayer and a mature love for one another. Mature love extends grace, extends mercy and knows how to cover a multitude of sins. Mature love lets go of pride and embraces humility. May my prayer echo that of Christ's in John 17:21, "that they may be one, even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." And in verse 23, "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity,..." "Perfected in unity!" Now that's one refreshing lifeline! I want some of that poured over my head!