Running in Opposite Directions

Haven't ran since last Monday and haven't logged since last Wednesday. I had a sore throat last week that turned into a cold. Today I finally felt like I was kicking the virus and so I went out for a 4 mile run. It was sunny and in the mid 40's. There was a breeze in the air every now and then and I was fortunate to have it at my back at various times during my course.

I felt pretty good, but didn't push it too much. At a couple different spots during my run and from a distance I could see another runner. At first I didn't know if the runner was running in the same direction as I was or if they were running towards me. The closer I came to the other runner the clearer I could see. Both runners, at different times in my course were running towards me. That meant they were running in the opposite direction that I was going. That meant I wouldn't catch up to them and run in the same direction with them, but it would mean I could see their faces and we would eventually pass by each other. The first runner was a woman. She seemed happy like me to see another runner on the road. We both exchanged friendly smiles and broke our huffing and puffing to give a verbal "hi!" I wondered how long she had been running, how far she was planning on running or if she was training for an upcoming event. As we ran in opposite directions I wondered if she shared my thought of thinking how nice it would be to run together every now and then with another fellow runner - in the same direction.

I do love to run alone enjoying the presence of God. But on occasion I think it would be a sweet change to run with another human - sharing a similar pace, running at times in tandum, talking and conversing about this and that and just knowing you're with someone who loves to run like you do.

The second runner who also ran in the opposite direction I was running in seemed very focused. He had one of those strapped on h20 tanks with a tube near his mouth. No doubt he was a serious runner, putting out the mileage and probably training for a big run. He didn't even give me eye contact as we passed by or a greeting. He was into his run and for reasons he alone knows, did not want any distraction to his intense focus. I can respect that! That's exactly how I feel when I approach a finish line to a race. Although I may hear friends or family from the sidelines cheering me on to the finish, I am so totally focused all I can concentrate on is crossing over that line and finishing well.

As I reflected on the two runners I saw today running in the opposite direction than I was going, many parallels about the race of faith came to mind. Here are just a few of those thoughts:
Christians are called to be in the world, but not of the world. That means I will be running in a different direction than a non-believer. For example, while they may run to alcohol or drugs for escape and temporary comfort and pleasure, I can be filled with the Spirit and know true peace and joy. While they may use people to meet their needs without relational commitment, I can enter into a lasting covenant with one person and be swept away by the depth of unconditional love. On a different thought, Christians can also be running in opposite directions but still be building the same Kingdom. There are as the Scriptures teach a variety of ministries and varying gifts. That means some of us are called to the same area of ministry while others are called in a whole different direction. But we're still serving the same Jesus, we're still on the same team, just running differently in the horizontal but the same in the vertical. The more I grow in grace, the more I appreciate the diversity in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, some Christians run in the opposite direction when it may not be the best thing. And they are running to get away - away from truth, from conviction, from the way that is narrow.

Scripture reminds us that the road is broad that leads to destruction and many are they that find that path; but narrow is the way that leads to life and few are those that are led in that direction. When Christians opt for the broad path it is running in the opposite direction that God would have for their life. I have seen this at times occur not only in my own life, but in the lives of some dear Christians I know.

All around there are runners running in this thing called life. Everyday they pass me by. Either seduced by the world, or led by the Spirit, or temporarily wayward, they're out there on the road. I pray that I can stay on course, while still being effective in the lives of those who pass me by - running in the opposite direction.