While we are at least three to four blizzards away from
winter’s end in Duluth, this warmer weather has reminded me how much I love
spring. After a long, dark, cold
and snowy northland winter, it is exciting to see the sun shine again and the
snow begin to melt. One of my
favorite moments of each year is the first time I get to run in shorts again
after the long months of cold and snow.
Running
has been an important activity in my life. I love competing, but more importantly enjoy getting outside
to exercise on a regular basis.
And I have learned a lot about my faith over the years on the road and
trail.
Did
you know that running is alluded to in the Bible several different times? St. Paul appeals to running in three of
his letters, and running also appears in 2 Samuel, Isaiah, Hebrews and
more. As one example, St. Paul tells
the Corinthians: “Do you not know that in
a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that
you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24). I would argue this helps make running the best sport of them
all as hockey, baseball, soccer, volleyball and basketball are not in the
Bible!
In
all seriousness, exercise in general is both a gift and a responsibility for
us. Regular periods of exercise
help us physically, mentally, psychologically and even spiritually. And it helps us take care of our
bodies, which St. Paul tells us “is a
temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
If
you have not exercised in a while, this is a perfect time to start. The days are getting longer and the
weather will be getting warmer.
Plus we are in Lent, so if exercise is difficult for you consider it a
penance!
Put
down that cell phone and television remote, lace up your shoes and get out
there. There are all sorts of ways
to incorporate various forms of physical fitness into your life to meet your
personal needs. If you are able,
get out for a jog and maybe I’ll run into you (no pun intended) along the way!
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