The tale of two journeys

As I said in my introduction, I want this blog to be an opportunity to share about my journey toward completing 50 races in 50 states.  However, I also want to meld it with what I am learning on my Christian journey.  To me there are numerous parallels between triathlon training and growing in my relationship with God.  The latter is often times too easy for me to put on the back-burner in the course of a day.  Both require regular training, focus, dedication, and always something to be learned.  

This past week one of the pastors of our church challenged us to commit to spending some time reading the Word and talking to God everyday (something I have not been as consistent with as I would like to be).  He challenged us to begin by reading six of the Psalms; Psalm 19, 33, 40, 86, 96, 145.  Running allows me to settle into a groove to reflect on what I read listen to sermons, think, pray, and talk with God (I am still trying to learn to listen more). 

For some reason when I set out on my run tonight I felt like I needed to run to the cemetery where my dad's ashes are buried. His grave marker was finally set in place today.  It reads, "He lived. He died. Now he has arrived. All you need is love." The run was a time to reflect on these words my dad chose to be remembered by forever.  He recognized that this journey of life is a gift, a time to be treasured, a time to love, but most importantly only a small fraction of what is awaiting us for in eternity.  Daunting to think about how long that is.  But it is also exciting.  I hope to be able to pursue my relationship with God with passion and fervor.  I thank God that He has saved me and blessed me with the physical abilities to participate in endurance events.