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Running loved

I’m jogging and catch myself thinking about the effects of jogging.
Why is it that in jogging and life I’m so prone to be focused on the effects rather than the  source?
I so often focus on my actions, on my appearance, on my achievements rather than on being loved by God.
And I wonder if I’m content with running “the race” with Jesus.

So I’m running and trying to enjoy the fact that I’m running; to stop thinking about all these other things.

I stop at a bench and stretch and coming towards me are a mother and son.  The son looks to be in his mid twenties and seems to have autism or something similar.  He’s running excitedly and his mom is following him.
We say hi and they continue on their way.  Then I continue on mine.
As I find a pace again I’m struck by the beauty of what I’ve just seen:
A son fully enraptured with the act of running.  He is not thinking about who will be impressed by his skills, about a number he wants to see on a scale, or on how fast he’s going.  Rather, with the companionship of his mother, he is fully embracing the beauty of running.

My soul fills with joy as I consider this. What a picture into God’s heart for us.
He desires to run our race with us, being our source.  He desires our complete satisfaction in the fact that we’re loved by Him.  That is what allows us and gives us the strength to run.

I keep watching them.
Now the mom is walking, sensing the needs of her son.  She’s giving of herself to meet him where he’s at.  Just like the Father gave of Himself to meet us where we’re at by sending Jesus.
And her son is fully free to enjoy himself, knowing he’s cared for.

Oh that I would live as loved by God.  That that would be enough.


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