The first time I wanted to run I was eight years old. I had a little orange suitcase, and I packed it full of socks. I guess I thought the most tremendous crisis I would face would be… cold feet.
I made it as far as our hallway door. I reconsidered, deciding that maybe my bedroom would be more comfortable. I unpacked my socks. The morning came… and I no longer felt the need to run.
I have had the urge to run several times in my life. (I am pretty sure that urge hit me this last week at some point, while the crescendo of whining pierced my thoughts).
The thing is… am I running to or from?
I have run to… college, graduate school, my husband, motherhood, vacations, locations.
As I think about this, I realize I have run from the same.
Not permanently, and sometimes only in my mind. Don’t we all do this? Allow ourselves the fantasy of running away when the reality is just too much work… when it doesn’t “feel” right… when it isn’t what we expected it would be.
Maybe it’s the expectation that distorts the beauty of what each person, each place, and each situation holds.
My mind’s eye sees precisely what I want it to be… when that doesn’t match the view I see before me… the thought enters…
run
Where does this mental running take me? To the next place… to the greener grass… to the glass half full.
The truth is… the mental running takes me from something far more valuable.
Right here. Right now.
Right where He has put me… with the gifts He has given me.
What do you do when you want to run?
Be still
B ehold the beauty of where you are right now
E xpect change ~ when it’s His timing
S upport your husband, children, family, friends ~ it will take your mind off yourself
T ake time to enjoy now ~ it will be gone too soon
I magine what good you can do ~ today
L ove God ~ know that He’s got your back
L ive and laugh and love ~ the glass is full
No socks needed… no cold feet.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
By Karin, Sunrise with a sixpack
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Jill says
This is lovely Karin, so proud of you!!!
Karin says
thank you Jill! I appreciate you and your encouraging words.
Ann says
Ah, my friend. Truth with a capital “T!” And we run from our God, and we run to Him! I thank God for you, my sister in Christ and the second mother to my son!
Karin says
Amen my sister! To just finally learn to be still… Love you my friend!
Kim says
Thank you for your words today. Wanting to run so bad right now from the sadness around me and the self-imposed stress. And especially this morning when I was actually running, stepped off the curb, fell down and skinned my knee. Cried like a little child all the way home. Now if I will just run to my heavenly Father.
Karin says
Thank YOU for the words, Kim. If we would just run to Him every time… I pray that your stress and sadness lift (and that your knee heals quickly). We are not alone in this. He is ever-faithful and present.
Bri says
Love this! So proud of you for sharing 🙂
Karin says
Thanks Bri – I appreciate the kind words – and you.
Rebecca says
Beautiful Karin… Thank you.
Karin says
Thank you, Rebecca – I appreciate your words, friend.
Felicia says
I am awestruck, inspired and uplifted! God has truly blessed you with the gift of words! Can’t wait to read more.
Love ya!
Sarah says
Way to be obedient to your calling girl! You inspire me!
Karin says
You have always inspired me Sarah! Thanks for the encouragement. Means so much!
Karin says
Oh thank you my friend! I’m so grateful for your friendship and encouragement! Love ya back, sister
nancy says
You spoke to my heart tonight. Thanks friend!
Karin says
Love you my friend!
Erin says
This post may as well have begun with “Dear Erin,”.
Thank you for writing. God used your words to touch my heart tonight. Blessings!
Karin says
Thank you for your kinds words, Erin. I love how He uses us to touch each other’s hearts. Many blessings to you!
Beth Williams says
Karin,
Beautiful post! For the past 6 or so months I have wanted to run from work. Didn’t like it & thought I chose a bad career move for me. The devil kept whispering “stupid, dumb, not good enough, smart enough”–but all the while God whispered “Winners don’t quit, quitters don’t win, wait on me – I have plans for you”.
Instead of running from work I ran toward God & prayer–lots & lots of prayer. Now I jog/run beofre work to relieve stress & try to enjoy the day!
Karin says
Beth,
I have heard those same lies from the enemy. I love the wisdom you share about turning it toward God. Running to Him and not away from our fears or insecurities. Enjoy your morning jogs, friend, and blessings to you!
Hope says
Thank you for writing this piece. I’ve been feeling this way a bit lately. And I’ve definitely had these feelings throughout life. I know it is God beckoning me to be still. Thank you for making “be still” practical. Love the breakdown of each letter. Blessings to you!
Karin says
Thank you for your words, Hope. It is a struggle for me to “be still,” as well.
God bless you!
Amanda says
I love this. Thank you for writing; this was just what I needed. God bless!
Karin says
Thank you, Amanda. He always knows what we need. Blessings to you!
Kasey Krawiec says
I can relate to this mentality so much! Thanks for sharing your heart…
Karin says
Thanks for the encouragement, Kasey. It’s awesome how He helps us relate to each other. Blessings to you!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Karin, I love this so much! I often feel the temptation to RUN…when I really need to BE STILL. Thank you for sharing!
Karin says
Thank you Mary! I am working on being STILL, as well. Thank you for your encouragement! Blessings on this Sunday…
robin gerblick says
“Oh, I’m running to His Arms
I’m running to His Arms
The Riches of Your Love, will ALWAYS be Enough
NOTHING compares to Your Embrace
Light of the World…. Forever Reign!” (“Forever Reign” – Hillsong)
This is Where I run and WHY I run!
Karin says
beautiful! A great reminder of Where to run and Why! Thank you.
Kari says
Love this!!! Miss you!
Karin says
Thank you, dear friend. Miss you, too, sister!