Running hills is about my least favorite workout and if given a choice I’d choose to run a flat route versus a hilly route any day. However, I don’t live in a flat area. It got me to thinking how much running hills is kind of like facing the trials in our life. They are unavoidable! We are going to face them no matter what. Not one person is immune to life’s struggles.
“I have told you these thing, so that in me you may have peace, In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Ever notice when running uphill it seems like the harder you push yourself the worse you feel? Even though you can see the top it feels like you are never going to get there. I find myself looking at the next crack in the road and trying to run to that point because the top seems so far away. Life’s struggles are often the same way. Sometimes the more you work to overcome them then bigger mess you find yourself in. It can be overwhelming. The best thing you can do it to pray for strength just to get through the day or sometimes just the next hour.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
The reward of knowing that you’ll get to take it easy on the downhill is often enough to keep us motivated as we run to the top. When we are going through tough times in life or are under the pressure of a big deadline, we take comfort in that our struggles will eventually end and we’ll get to relax. This motivates you to keep going despite the tough times.
“…But we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5: 3-5
Once you reach the top of a hill it’s often tempting to think we’ve got it made as we run back downhill. However, downhill running poses its own set of problems and if you’re not careful you can get hurt. Same is true in life. Once we’ve come through one of life’s trials, it’s tempting to let our guard down and feel like we’ve got everything under control.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1Corinthians 16:13
The hills we run and the trials in life will ultimately make us stronger and build our character. As much as I’d rather not run hills, I know that I will encounter them in a race so I’d better practice running them. Practicing them will make me a stronger runner. Every time I go through hard times in life, they are ultimately going to make me a better person. I’ll be better prepared to handle future circumstances and they will enable me to fulfill the purpose God has create for me.
Hi Beverly! I too have dealt with issues that caused me to develop an auto-immune disease back in 2001. After moving to Arkansas 9 years ago I often found myself feeling really alone because I didn’t know anyone, but then made some local friends. Even after moving over to Little Rock, all of my friends were health coaches. I thank social media for helping me to have people to talk to (friends and family back in Michigan and here in Arkansas) That connection is invaluable. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that if I am under stress I don’t even know it. I don’t really feel it physically. This dumbfounded me because my stress hormone was high, but I didn’t feel bad. Anxiety also acts similarly like fear towards me, but I do feel the butterflies of anxiety now. Working out on a regular basis has helped me to squash stress and anxiety. Plus now, cbd oil has been the biggest and most fantastic way I have been able to cope after being homebound and stuck on the couch since April with a severely sprained ankle. Even getting on a plane (which I hate to do) I had no anxiety at all. I feel super relaxed these days, and finally I am able to begin working out….not running at this time, but I can move and walk a few miles a day now. It has been so helpful to connect with other coaches like yourself and speak more about this. In not speaking about it more diseases can pop up unexpectedly and we never want this to happen. It is time to Heal. Love ya Beverly!!
Great points Heidi! Like you, I didn’t even know I was suffering from anxiety until I sought help sorting through all the craziness in my life. Hmm…CBD oil…who knew! I agree, we need to speak out more. I think too many people put up a front and suffer in silence!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave. If you ever want to compare notes on fear, anxiety, grief, not being able to get out of bed, coping with and without running as your crutch, reinventing yourself, truly finding your faith in Christ; my heart always has time and a place for you and your twin!!! ❤️ Conlin.cathy@gmail.com
Oh I bet you could Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing. I don’t think we talk about mental health enough. I am so proud of you for finding your faith and strength in the Lord. He is ever present, evening our worst storms!
Hi Beverly,
I so miss connecting with you all! I too have very much shared your journey. I’m on the other side of it now but am changing many things in my life wich as you know comes with its own grieving as we leave the old behind. It’s lovely to see you share your story as I know it helps many of us.
Would love to get together again.
Hugs,
Kelley
Kelley I miss you too! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We need to get the Soul Sisters together again!