Psalm 147:10 (and 11)

This is not a race time or a bib number.  This verse came from a search I did this morning.  Between my bike and elliptical workout two days ago and my swim with the dolphins (with bad form and fins) yesterday, my calves have been very tense since we got back on board and headed for home yesterday.  So, this morning before I ran, I first searched calf in the King James version of the Bible I have on my iPhone.  Most of what came up was things about a molten calf or a fatted calf.  Those are interesting to ponder but didn’t speak to me and were, of course, about a different kind of calf.

So, I searched for legs.  What came up was Psalm 147:10 and into 11:

“He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh  not pleasure in the legs of a man.  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”

Why does this speak to me?  No matter how much I train, God does not care whether I qualify for Boston.  Unless by qualifying for Boston I use all the gifts I have been given and learn and share important lessons along the way.

God does not care about the strength of my body but about the strength of my will and my spirit as I try to follow the path that has been set for me.

God does not care about how fast I can run but about how fast I can learn the lessons of being a good follower and use them to make this world as much like God’s kingdom as possible.

God does not care how far I can run, but how far I go to serve others.

So, rather than feeling sorry or hurt, I simply push ahead.  Taking care of myself.  Caring for others.  And following God as best I can.  To “hope in God’s mercy” as I lead my life and try to correct any missteps along the way.

The Joy of Running

Here is a quote from Eric Liddell, "God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure."  Now, God did not make me anywhere near as fast as he made Eric Liddell.  He did make me faster than a lot of other people (and slower than many as well) and He made me persistent. Eric Liddell was not a distance runner.  I would say that in my case, I feel God's pleasure in me when I am persistent, stick with what I was meant to do, and complete it.  Particularly in the presence of others.  


Does this apply to long distance running--I believe it does.  This applies to more than just running--as, I think, do most of the lessons I take from my running.  I believe that God is pleased when I persist at any task in life.  I believe that when I find the path that God has intended for me to follow and stick with it he is please.  I believe that God is pleased when I complete things. 


Why is it important in other people's presence?  I believe that God wants me to share.  What good are accomplishments if they are not shared?  What good is running alone?  Isn't it better to run with others--not necessarily alongside them, as I was ahead in the workout this evening--but with others.  I may represent something for others to aspire to.  (I may also represent something that others just think is crazy.)  And, when I am done and have caught my breath, I take a lesson from an old friend, turn around, and cheer on every other person in my group.  If I've lapped them, I cheer them on not just when they finish but every time they come around. And for my cheering and encouragement to be effective it has to be sincere.  


So, if I were to adapt Liddell's quote for long distance runners, I'd say "God made me somewhat fast and very persistent.  And when I start and complete a long hard run and sincerely share the joy of the experience with others in word or in deed, I feel His pleasure."