“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

– Proverbs 27:17 (Holman Christian Standard)

How can you run, it’s so boring! As a long-time runner, I’ve heard that question asked more times than I can count. Now I can perfectly understand why running is not everyone’s idea of a good time. Why run somewhere when a short ride in your car would take you to the same place a lot quicker. What I’ve learned over the years is that I not only enjoy running, I need it. There’s a personal satisfaction I get from having the discipline to lace up those shoes and get out for a workout. Breaking a good sweat makes me feel like I’ve done something. Like many others, I also discovered that running can be effective with weight control. Knowing that I finished a great run helps a little when I really want that bowl of ice cream or piece of my wife’s amazing cheesecake. I have a training schedule that allows that kind of flexibility. However, what I truly enjoy and need most is the social aspect of running. I like spending time running with “the guys” as we laugh and talk about everything from sports trivia to our favorite childhood memories. We keep one another motivated and focused on the important things in life.

It’s not unusual to hear the words church and boring in the same sentence too. The list of what bores people about church is endless. The service is too long, the music is old fashioned or the pastor’s sermons are over my head. Being perfectly honest, I’ve had some of those thoughts myself on occasion. But over the years I’ve learned that not only do I like church, I need it. Yes, sometimes the service goes into overtime, but there is usually a blessing I would have missed had I not been there. As far as the music, I’ve learned to focus on the words more than the melody. I continue to be inspired by the old hymns as well as contemporary artists of today. Pastors and their sermons come and go. They make everyone happy at some point. What I enjoy most about church is the people. I like spending time with “the guys” not only on Sundays, but through the endless opportunities we have to serve God and others in our community. Our faith and love for one another motivates me and helps me keep my life in proper focus. To me, running and church aren’t boring, I NEED them!

Lord, thank you for Your people and Your Church. Help me to understand that iron sharpens iron and that we need each other as we go through this life. Thank You Father for loving us. Amen.