I've written about Eric Liddell before. One of his best know quotes is something to the effect of "God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure." I have written before that I completely appreciate his linking his spirituality and his running. I have written before that I have felt Gods pleasure when I run. God's pleasure with the scenery. God's pleasure with running with others. But this morning, I felt God's pleasure that I was proclaiming what really meant something to me and how I can carry this into the rest of my life.
This morning, with my student and track workout buddy, Diarmuid, I did a workout that I can attribute to one of the coaches from Charm City Run. At least the distances and the sequence. Not the timing. Last time I did this with the CCR coach, I ran it at a much more subdued pace 11 days before a race. Today there was very little subdued 12 days before a race. The workout was 200/400/800/3x1600/800/400/200. For non-runners, that's a half lap, a whole lap, two laps, three 4 lap intervals, and then back down again. Runners do intervals hard and then either jog or walk in between. When we got done the next to last intervall (the 400) in a time faster than any 400 I'd run in a long time, Diarmuid said it felt like a proper 400 (just under 76 seconds). I decided to push the last 200 (half lap) even harder. We made a comment about Michael Johnson before we ran. We went. When we got done, Diarmuid said he could not catch me, I felt like the 200 was a "proper" 200, and we had run it in less than 33 seconds. In fact, that was the first time I had run a half lap around an outdoor track in less than 35 seconds in more than 20 years. I felt God's pleasure.
Why? Because my comment about a proper 200 was reflective of giving it everything I had. Such a short run, but I felt every step. For the lasst 20 meters, my legs felt like it would never end, even though the entire interval was just 1/2 lap. I felt like I had--for one brief half minute--given absolutely my all.
That, following from the reading and homily at Sunday's mass and my blog yesterday, is that God wants. That was not a "mumbled" half lap. That was a shouted and proclaimed half lap. That was a half lap I'll remember. That said, "Yes, I can."
I'm pretty sure God was pleased. And I am pretty sure that God would be even more pleased if I took everything I did just as seriously. Again, it comes back to choosing to do somewhat fewer things really well and leaving behing the mumbled (rather than proclaimed) items in my life. Maybe that is the main reflection of this Lent. What am I just mumbling? How can I set that aside? And how can I take on what I am proclaiming in an even more substantive way than I am now?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Proclaiming (Mark 1:12-15)
The Catholic mass Gospel for Sunday February 26 was Mark 1:12-15. In this reading, it was stated that "Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God." Father Sam made a big deal of this point. That Jesus was proclaiming the Gospel after going out for 40 days to find himself. It's funny, I never really thought of our Savior going on a retreat to the desert to find himself but the analogy seems reasonable. In any case, the emphasis on proclaiming something after he spent time finding himself was on Jesus having "fire in his belly". In other words--focus In other words--finding something so important he had to proclaim it. The distinction between proclaiming and mumbling.
As i look ahead to the remainder of Lent and the remainder of my life, I think about what I find sufficiently important to proclaim and what I choose to mumble about--either literally or figuratively. I think that the things that I only mumble about should be re-assessed. And either raised to the status of something I want to proclaim OR left behind. So that I can focus on the things that I want to proclaim to the world. Sometimes in word. Even moreso in action.
Let my actions proclaim what is most important to me and let me be judged based on that.
As i look ahead to the remainder of Lent and the remainder of my life, I think about what I find sufficiently important to proclaim and what I choose to mumble about--either literally or figuratively. I think that the things that I only mumble about should be re-assessed. And either raised to the status of something I want to proclaim OR left behind. So that I can focus on the things that I want to proclaim to the world. Sometimes in word. Even moreso in action.
Let my actions proclaim what is most important to me and let me be judged based on that.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Home is...
So, for my catch up reflection of the day, I start with the phrase, "Home is..." I could get totally cliche with "where the heart is." I could think of a number of other things to so. And obviously this is related to "Love is..." from 1st Corinthians and "Happiness is..." which we see on greeting cards and other "nice" type of stuff.
But I am thinking of it because of my stop in Hampden on Friday. It ended with planning my tattoo. It started with a quick coffee with a guy I'd run with for three years in high school, whose older sister was in my grade, and whom I had not seen in 25 years. Each of us had known the other lived in Baltimore since we found each other on Facebook a while ago but it was nice to get together. What was telling, with regards to "Home is..." was our conversation. Did we occasionally talk about people from our combined past? Yes. Did we talk about specific events from our combined past? Not really? Did we dwell on things in the present related to our combined past? Of course! But the fact that the past did not dominate our conversation helps me answer the question "Home is?"
I know plenty of adults who still think of where they were born and grew up as "home". The fact that I was born one place and moved three months later, and lived in three houses growing up definitely shapes my inclination not to think that way. I know where I grew up. I've been lucky enough to be honored by my high school and undergraduate institutions. I think of where I grew up as just that. And, even where my parents live now is not where we lived when I grew up, so I don't even think of it as the same area.
When I go visit my parents, if we are there for a mass we don't go to the church I grew up going to. And at the time it was mostly going to and not growing my spirituality at. My spiritual growth began when I was an undergrad and has grown since then. The music that I count on as such an important part of mass now makes all the difference.
When I go to visit the area in which I grew up, I probably could recreate the most common 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 13 mile routes we ran. But I don't "know" them any more in the way I know my Baltimore courses.
And, in terms of a physical space, my still relatively young family has been in the same dwelling place than my parents have ever been in one dwelling place.
So, when the tattoo artist asked me about what geographical location I'd like the picture I want for my tattoo set in, I simply said, "After all these years Baltimore really does feel like home."
Intellectual. Spiritual. Physical. Home. No doubt in my mind what I will think of as home.
It wil be interesting to see some day how my own children struggle with this. Or whether any of the kids in Sunday school or kids I teach at JHU will have a different interpretation of what home is for them over time.
But I am thinking of it because of my stop in Hampden on Friday. It ended with planning my tattoo. It started with a quick coffee with a guy I'd run with for three years in high school, whose older sister was in my grade, and whom I had not seen in 25 years. Each of us had known the other lived in Baltimore since we found each other on Facebook a while ago but it was nice to get together. What was telling, with regards to "Home is..." was our conversation. Did we occasionally talk about people from our combined past? Yes. Did we talk about specific events from our combined past? Not really? Did we dwell on things in the present related to our combined past? Of course! But the fact that the past did not dominate our conversation helps me answer the question "Home is?"
I know plenty of adults who still think of where they were born and grew up as "home". The fact that I was born one place and moved three months later, and lived in three houses growing up definitely shapes my inclination not to think that way. I know where I grew up. I've been lucky enough to be honored by my high school and undergraduate institutions. I think of where I grew up as just that. And, even where my parents live now is not where we lived when I grew up, so I don't even think of it as the same area.
When I go visit my parents, if we are there for a mass we don't go to the church I grew up going to. And at the time it was mostly going to and not growing my spirituality at. My spiritual growth began when I was an undergrad and has grown since then. The music that I count on as such an important part of mass now makes all the difference.
When I go to visit the area in which I grew up, I probably could recreate the most common 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 13 mile routes we ran. But I don't "know" them any more in the way I know my Baltimore courses.
And, in terms of a physical space, my still relatively young family has been in the same dwelling place than my parents have ever been in one dwelling place.
So, when the tattoo artist asked me about what geographical location I'd like the picture I want for my tattoo set in, I simply said, "After all these years Baltimore really does feel like home."
Intellectual. Spiritual. Physical. Home. No doubt in my mind what I will think of as home.
It wil be interesting to see some day how my own children struggle with this. Or whether any of the kids in Sunday school or kids I teach at JHU will have a different interpretation of what home is for them over time.
People Helping People
This has been a week with many examples of people helping people in my life. I'll list just a few highlights and then probably try for a second blog entry later today to even out for my one a day for Lent and thinking of sacrifices and appreciations in preparation for the renewal that comes with Easter.
(1) I had my gloves that I run in with me when I stopped at the grocery store earlier this week. I took them off and put them in the basket while shopping. Somehow, I forgot to take them out and left them in the basket when I checked out. I called 20 minutes later when I got home and realized I didn't have them. The cashier had noticed and had set them aside for me. The manager on duty put them in a bag in a safe and I was able to get them later. Honesty and helping. Thank goodness.
(2) In my running with Back on My Feet this week, the team with which I run was introduced to two new routes. One from me and one from my fellow coach. I ran with people I don't usually run with. Made them comfortable with the route. And learned interesting things along the way from both routes and both sets of runners.
(3) The person who ran into my wife's car while I was driving it on Friday night was not helpful for running into it. But, he did everything right afterwards. The employees at his insurer have been helpful. And, we also were able to help a fellow driver whose car was overheating who had stopped near us on Friday night be lending her my wife's cell phone. Then, yesterday, the place where I take my car for service was helpful with a small item my car needed taken care of. No tough questions. Just a job well done.
(4) I really enjoyed the conversation I had with the tattoo artist on Friday afternoon. She listened to the vision I had for a tattoo for myself, asked some good questions, and made some great suggestions. The tattoo I am getting will be a somewhat timeless, although also could be described as a symbol re-interpreted in an anachronistic way, of one person helping another. More details in April when I actually get it.
All of these things are just a few of the things for which I am thankful, that show that there really are still people in the world out there who care about others, and that make me think about my own behaviors as I look forward to the liturgical and spiritual season of renewal.
(1) I had my gloves that I run in with me when I stopped at the grocery store earlier this week. I took them off and put them in the basket while shopping. Somehow, I forgot to take them out and left them in the basket when I checked out. I called 20 minutes later when I got home and realized I didn't have them. The cashier had noticed and had set them aside for me. The manager on duty put them in a bag in a safe and I was able to get them later. Honesty and helping. Thank goodness.
(2) In my running with Back on My Feet this week, the team with which I run was introduced to two new routes. One from me and one from my fellow coach. I ran with people I don't usually run with. Made them comfortable with the route. And learned interesting things along the way from both routes and both sets of runners.
(3) The person who ran into my wife's car while I was driving it on Friday night was not helpful for running into it. But, he did everything right afterwards. The employees at his insurer have been helpful. And, we also were able to help a fellow driver whose car was overheating who had stopped near us on Friday night be lending her my wife's cell phone. Then, yesterday, the place where I take my car for service was helpful with a small item my car needed taken care of. No tough questions. Just a job well done.
(4) I really enjoyed the conversation I had with the tattoo artist on Friday afternoon. She listened to the vision I had for a tattoo for myself, asked some good questions, and made some great suggestions. The tattoo I am getting will be a somewhat timeless, although also could be described as a symbol re-interpreted in an anachronistic way, of one person helping another. More details in April when I actually get it.
All of these things are just a few of the things for which I am thankful, that show that there really are still people in the world out there who care about others, and that make me think about my own behaviors as I look forward to the liturgical and spiritual season of renewal.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Serenity Prayer
So, only three days into Lent and I missed blogging yesterday. Probably do two quick entries today. There is a reason I missed yesterday. Last night we were trying to get Daniel to hist last Friday night ice hockey practice. We were stuck on the Baltimore beltway going very slowly. There was a break in the traffic behind us at one point and a kid in a car from PA came up and hit the driver side back bumper, scraped along the side, and took the driver's side view mirror most of the way off. That shook me and Sherry as it was the second time a car I am driving has been hit in less than 60 days and Sherry's car was also hit recently by a hit and run driver.
The serenity prayer came into play because there was nothing to do once the accident occurred but deal with it. We had to accept the accident. Sherry--as the passenger--was even more annoyed than I was. The other driver and I calmly exchanged information. Then, I immediately called and started the claims process. That did not take courage, but is part of taking care of things that I can do something about.
Other parts of yesterday were also in that vein. I had two meetings yesterday morning to move long overdue projects in the right direction. And, this weekend when I am doing "work work" it will be all in the same direction.
Taking the time to use my God given talents not only for what I want to do but also for what I have to do/am supposed to do is an important part of the growth and focus I am seeking this year as part of Lent.
The serenity prayer came into play because there was nothing to do once the accident occurred but deal with it. We had to accept the accident. Sherry--as the passenger--was even more annoyed than I was. The other driver and I calmly exchanged information. Then, I immediately called and started the claims process. That did not take courage, but is part of taking care of things that I can do something about.
Other parts of yesterday were also in that vein. I had two meetings yesterday morning to move long overdue projects in the right direction. And, this weekend when I am doing "work work" it will be all in the same direction.
Taking the time to use my God given talents not only for what I want to do but also for what I have to do/am supposed to do is an important part of the growth and focus I am seeking this year as part of Lent.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Consistency
So, one of my goals for Lent is to make the time each day to actually think about my spiritual and physical well being. And, if I'm going to think about it, I'll also write about it. So, this blog will likely see the most entries it has seen since the summer of my first marathon back in 2010.
I have written about consistency many times in my blogs, but the topic never seems to get old. When I ran this morning's track workout with my buddy, I commented that I thought it was one of the hardest. The workout is 6 times running 3/4 of a mile (or 1200 meters) each time. My buddy thinks that 16 quarter miles is harder.
Why do I find the 6 times three-quarter mile workout such a challenge? Well, 3/4 of a mile is a distance that is too long to run anything close to all out the whole way (at least when you are doing six of them) but not long enough to really relax at any point. It is a challenging distance that you keep coming back to over and over again. To do the workout well, I have to be very consistent on each interval (meaning that I have to run either each lap about the same or constantly monitor over multiple laps and make up for any slacking) and then I have to do the same over all six or improve on each one. We ran the first three at about the same pace; the next two faster and at about the same pace; and the final one the fastest of the morning without having to push all out the whole way. It was great.
So, while that all makes sense from a physical perspective how does it relate to my spirituality? Well, let me begin by going back to yesterday's entry? On the 364 days when I don't have ashes placed on my forehead how will anyone know that I am someone who follows the teachings of Christ and that I am trying to be an ambassador for him? Consistency. Hour by hour (like the lap by lap). Day by day (like the three quarter mile interval by three quater mile interval). I need to be aware of my beliefs. I need to live my beliefs. And, if ever I slack, I need to work all the harder to catch up again.
I have written about consistency many times in my blogs, but the topic never seems to get old. When I ran this morning's track workout with my buddy, I commented that I thought it was one of the hardest. The workout is 6 times running 3/4 of a mile (or 1200 meters) each time. My buddy thinks that 16 quarter miles is harder.
Why do I find the 6 times three-quarter mile workout such a challenge? Well, 3/4 of a mile is a distance that is too long to run anything close to all out the whole way (at least when you are doing six of them) but not long enough to really relax at any point. It is a challenging distance that you keep coming back to over and over again. To do the workout well, I have to be very consistent on each interval (meaning that I have to run either each lap about the same or constantly monitor over multiple laps and make up for any slacking) and then I have to do the same over all six or improve on each one. We ran the first three at about the same pace; the next two faster and at about the same pace; and the final one the fastest of the morning without having to push all out the whole way. It was great.
So, while that all makes sense from a physical perspective how does it relate to my spirituality? Well, let me begin by going back to yesterday's entry? On the 364 days when I don't have ashes placed on my forehead how will anyone know that I am someone who follows the teachings of Christ and that I am trying to be an ambassador for him? Consistency. Hour by hour (like the lap by lap). Day by day (like the three quarter mile interval by three quater mile interval). I need to be aware of my beliefs. I need to live my beliefs. And, if ever I slack, I need to work all the harder to catch up again.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Lent
Today's second reading at the Catholic mass was 2 Cor 5:20-6:2. I have used letters from Paul--especially to the Corinthians as part of my person reflection on a number of occasions. This is no exception. The opening verse is, "Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ." On a day like Ash Wednesday it is easy to think that way. Anyone who receives ashes on their forehead is easily identifiable as someone who places value on their belief in Christ. What is more of a challenge is being an ambassador for Christ on the other 364 days of the year. Particularly when the Gospel reading today specifically told us not to do things that appear spiritual just for the sake of getting attention. Don't give to charity, don't pray, don't go to church only for the reason of getting attention. Do those things because they truly mean something. Do them to be an ambassador for Christ regardless of what happens next.
Lent is a time for preparation. Historically it is thought of as a time for giving up. Sacrifice does not necessarily mean giving up. Sacrifice can be as much about taking the time to do extra things that are positive.
Personally, I am looking for ways to continue to increase my insight, my understanding, my view of what my religion means to me. I saw a sign in the hospital today that said something to the effect of patients not caring what you know until they know that you care. That is very true of religion. It doesn't matter how much I know about the beliefs and the rules. What matters is hat I live them.
Thus, this time of preparation called Lent is also a time of renewal. A time to look at the various things in my life and decide what to continue with, what to let go for a while, and what to let go forever. And for things that have been sitting around for a while, what to bring to a conclusion. How to push ahead. How to make things happen.
There is a lot to think about between now and Easter. Many miles to run. Many friends with whom to run. Many thoughts to ponder. And hopefully a stronger sense of my beliefs and my spirituality when all is said and done when Easter arrives this year.
Lent is a time for preparation. Historically it is thought of as a time for giving up. Sacrifice does not necessarily mean giving up. Sacrifice can be as much about taking the time to do extra things that are positive.
Personally, I am looking for ways to continue to increase my insight, my understanding, my view of what my religion means to me. I saw a sign in the hospital today that said something to the effect of patients not caring what you know until they know that you care. That is very true of religion. It doesn't matter how much I know about the beliefs and the rules. What matters is hat I live them.
Thus, this time of preparation called Lent is also a time of renewal. A time to look at the various things in my life and decide what to continue with, what to let go for a while, and what to let go forever. And for things that have been sitting around for a while, what to bring to a conclusion. How to push ahead. How to make things happen.
There is a lot to think about between now and Easter. Many miles to run. Many friends with whom to run. Many thoughts to ponder. And hopefully a stronger sense of my beliefs and my spirituality when all is said and done when Easter arrives this year.
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