Just a little further...

I have been training, though I have slacked lately and in need of rededicating myself, for a 5k run in Southern Utah in March to benefit and raise awareness of ALS.

As I said, I have slacked of late, blaming cold weather and lack of time. Just excuses. I need to, and intend to get back at it soon.

Anyhow, I digress. For several weeks, my goal was 1 mile. A far cry from the 3.1 miles I intend to run in March. But, still, you gotta start somewhere. So I mapped out a 1 mile route within my neighborhood and got to work.

The first 2 or 3 weeks of training were rough. It was frustrating because I just couldn't go as long or as far as I wanted. Typically, I would run a couple of blocks, walk a couple of blocks, run, walk, etc..

By the end of the month I had accomplished my first victory. I had run the entire mile without any rests or stop and go at all. Oh, I was so pleased with myself! It wasn't a great time, mind you, but I had made a giant step toward my ultimate goal. The 5k.

Another week or two, I had knocked several minutes off the time it took to run that mile. Several weeks after that, I mapped out a two mile course and started the process all over. Run a little. walk a little..you get the idea. A week or two later, I was able to run just over 2 miles!! Again, a small victory. But for me, a victory none the less.

And now I make my point. Yes, as a matter of fact, I do have one, thank you very much!

Weather a block, a mile or 2 miles or whatever, there was always one constant that I found interesting, but until just tonight, never fully appreciated the lesson that was being taught me.

The constant was this. No matter how far, how long or how fast I ran, I never, ever, ever felt more tired and more like giving in than when I was just a short distant from my "finish line". But I pushed myself that extra distance because I knew how close I was and how disappointed I would be in myself if I fell short, and how totally wonderful I knew I would feel if I just went on a little further.

My close friends know that I have been struggling for some time now with so many personal battles emotionally, physically, and mentally. Most of my battles are completely internal. Some even self inflicted.

Every once in a while, I will humble myself enough to submit to God. To actually tell him "I don't want to run any more, Lord. I can't see the finish line!"

And ever once in a while He lovingly embraces me and says in such a clear, comforting voice, "I can. You're so close. Just a little further.."

I am more and more convinced that so many of the struggles I am facing in my life are becoming more exhausting and difficult to face because the finish line is so close. Greatness is well within my reach. And my adversary does not want me to finish. To reach that goal. To cross that finish line and know that every single drop of sweat, every single tear shed, and there have been quite a few lately, and every sense of loss along the way was so worth it for the prize at the end.

I still have allot of race to run. I know it's not likely to get easier without allot more persistence and effort on my part. That's how we get stronger. I thank my Father in heaven for teaching me that lesson. Although at times I haven't been all to willing to heed. Stupid pride.

Thank you so much to all who have been running right beside me. Dear friends. You know who are. Pushing me on. Silently insisting "Just a little further.." You will never know the strength it has given me. And I love you for that. Greg