Dear Friends of First,

On a sunny, cool autumn afternoon on the cross-country field, runners are seen dressed in their team uniforms, supporting one another. I recall Apostle Paul writes, “Run in such a way that you may win it.” (1 Corinthians 9:23-25). I am not sure about what kind of runner Paul was, but I got a sense that he knew about the blisters on the feet of athletes and the pain in the joints caused by the uneven terrains.

I have experienced from the outside, the preparation it takes our kids to prepare for their passion: cross-country. What they eat and not eat on the day of the race, the day before the race not to mention – soft training days, hard training days and recovery days. The day of the race the runners are excited for their meet, and they have prepared their body and spirit to win this race. Some of them are competing to improve their own personal records; others are looking to place in the event. Some, as they approach the finish line, give their last bits of energy to improve their record. But some, on this cool day, faint or collapse at the finish. Runners are seen helping each other finish, to get air, water and aid in some cases. Some of them experience swollen feet and blisters. And also, the joy that they finished the race.

I began to reflect on our own spiritual journey as an example of the glory and discipline of our Christian race. Paul was right, my own spiritual journey does not depend only in the good Lord, but also in my preparation and training. The good Lord has given me a lot for this race. I need to decide how I use it. His example becomes an invitation of Christ, as a tool to become like him through faith and grace (2 Timothy 4:7,
Acts 20:24). How am I running my life? How do I stop to rest and recover? What am I eating physically and spiritually? Do I recognize the blisters on my soul or just ignore them? Do I

look for support in others when I need it?

We are not always aware of the venues in which we will run our Christian race. As we gather weekly to worship, to study, to prepare a meal, to serve it, or to stretch, the opportunities to run are plentiful. The church is not only a hospital for the soul, but also the training ground for your spirit. Put on your running shoes.

See you in Church,
Pastor Jim