Monday Motivation: Run Shirley Run!
“Run, Forrest, Run.” Remember the movie Forrest Gump? He says, “Now you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but I can run like the wind blows.
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My mom, Shirley Adkins, lives this way – she keeps on running. She decided to start running races at age 70 and hasn’t stopped. What does it take to keep on running? Not a runner, eh? Okay. For some of us, we need to consider how to start. We can ask what does it take to get going? How can we keep moving? Remember – you can’t move a car that is in park. Be willing to put your goals into motion. This works by applying two things:
- Resolve: My mom is determined not to give up. Webster defines resolve: “a firm course of action.” There are days she doesn’t feel like going to the gym or going on a jog, yet Mom keeps her schedule. I am impressed with how she implements her plan. Day in, day out, she follows through with her commitment to work out no matter how she feels.
“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 market out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
- Renew: My mom resets her mind everyday through prayer time with God and studying His word. She asks God for help, even after dad passed away, mom continued and even increased her work outs.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Do not quit! You can do it. Yes, stay at it until you are done. The finish line is not that far off. Haven’t started yet? Okay. It is never too late. Begin today! Even if you are not a runner, just put your foot to the pavement and start moving. When you feel like giving up, instead choose to keep going. As you keep your eyes on the goal, your worry will change to worship, your fear to faith and your hang-ups to hope.
Let’s pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for helping us throw off the sin that is holding us back from the race. Thank you Jesus for reminding us to keep our eyes set on you, our Goal. You are our inspiration to stay in the race. Thank you Lord Jesus for showing us how to finish well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
