Hebrews 12:1-3

 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.(NIV)

Who would have thought that at 51, I would start running.  I have never really enjoyed running even when I was a college athlete.  It was just something that was part of training, warming up, a directive by the coach.  So for me to actually chose to run is an oddity. So now it has been over a year and a half  that I have been hitting the pavement, usually in the early morning hours putting miles on the running shoes that my children gifted me on my 52 birthday. 

On long runs, I actually have time to think, pray and consider the day a head of me.  Such was yesterday, starting my 5th mile, deep in thought,  something caught me eye.  Distracted me from the focus of my run.  I was running on the uneven sidewalk, which can be more dangerous than the street.   As two cars approached, I took my eyes off the path and looked to my left.  In that split moment, I stumbled and fell. I quickly gathered myself (since the time clock was ticking) and resumed my stride, bearing the pain in my hands and knee.

God brought to mind I Corinthians 10:12 "Therefore let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall". (NASB) The analogy is that as I was running my race, on the path set before, thinking all is good, a momentary distraction caught my eye, lead me to take my eyes off of where I was going and I fell.  Such is life with temptations, most of which are flirting thoughts, like clouds that float by, here now and then gone.  However, the consequences are far reaching.  Some very painful and can be crippling.

I recovered from my fall yesterday but feel the affects even today.  I will continue to  run but will keep my eyes on the path set before me both physically and spiritually.