As I am writing, the sweat on my back is starting to dry, causing me to chill a little. I just finished running 3.1 miles on the treadmill at the gym; hopefully that effort will translate into running the 3.1-mile Jingle Bell Run in two weeks in downtown Indianapolis.
Ann and I decided a few weeks back to put the event on our calendars so that we would stay motivated to run. She had been running with her children in their cross country training; I was running just because I could.
But with cold, dark weather coming, we both knew it would be hard to keep hitting the pavement.
It was a good goal really, choosing a race in mid-December, when all attempts at maintaining a healthy schedule are in vain if we aren’t careful. In fact, we probably should have also chosen a race in late November, because my busy schedule during that time put my training in serious jeopardy. In fact, until this evening, I was pretty sure that I was not going to be in shape to run the race.
Tonight, when I made it through a dry run with a week and a half left to go, I’m pretty sure I will be able to do it. I just need to stick with my training over these next few busy days.
I couldn’t help but think of the Advent season as I was aching and panting and sweating profusely this evening. Advent is a good spiritual goal for us all in this season when shopping and partying and wrapping would otherwise distract us from the healthy spiritual pursuits we all know we need.
Without Advent, I might go the whole month of December and never even think about Jesus until Christmas Eve. Advent helps me with the discipline to come daily to Jesus during this month, however, and to anticipate his comings.
This running goal of ours was also a chance to start over, in a sense. Since I fancy myself a runner, I should really be in good enough shape at any time to run a 5k. That’s not something I should have to train for. But I get busy, and I don’t put in the miles, and suddenly, I realize I need to begin again if I’m going to be in that kind of shape.
Advent is also a time to start over, to remember to do what we should have been doing all year long. Even though Advent comes at the end of the year, this season of expectation is actually the beginning of the church calendar
In a sense, Advent is like New Year’s Day for Christians. It’s a time to resolve again to look for the coming of Jesus in everything we do.
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Other Advent Thoughts . . .
Keep It Simple Sister from Llama Momma
Pregnant with Christmas from The Gypsy Mama
and more from Mark Roberts, this time from The High Calling: Waiting for the Shepherd
Douglas – oh yeah, the 5 pound statistic is a great motivator!
Laura – We are supposed to get snow in the next few days too. That will definitely make running interesting.
Deidra – ironic, isn’t it? How easy it is to miss Jesus in our Christmas busyness?
Ted – yes, we are all in need of discipline.
Ann – I am planning to run while I am out of town this weekend, so hopefully next weekend will go smoothly. All those Jingle Bells will definitely help. Oh yeah, the Santa Hat, too!
Good words, Charity. I like the thought of Advent helping us to discipline our minds so that we focus on the true reason for the season. Yes, I need that, and welcome it.
“Without Advent, I might go the whole month of December and never even think about Jesus until Christmas Eve.” That is me right there.
Love how you connected your running with Advent…it seems like an adventure!
Yay! good for you and Ann in setting this goal. Today we are getting our first real snow and I am dreading heading out there in the cold. It might me time for me to dust off the old elliptical.
Thanks for your sweet words over at my place yesterday, Charity. I’m glad we’re in this thing together. 🙂
Two great ideas…focusing on Advent. Always one of my favorite times of the year…and yes, a race in mid December is great for keeping healthy. What do they say, the average American gains 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Love the idea of equating our training for this race with daily focusing on Christ during Advent.