The Jog...

So I have been jogging. It isn't my favorite activity, but at age 40, it is something I hope will keep my heart pumping!! And it also is a time for me to be alone, listen to music, and pray.

Last week Doug decided he would jog with me on occasion. So the first night we started out and he ran slightly behind me, each of us with music crankin in our ipods. He was very generous in keeping at my pace, but I just couldn't focus on my run. I kept wondering if he was keeping up, if he was wishing I would go faster, if he was trying to say something to me. My mind was off track and my jog suffered.

The next evening we went out again and while I loved the romanticism of my husband and I jogging through  town side by side, wind blowing in my hair, my calves getting tighter and more muscular by the moment...I just couldn't focus on my run when he was with me.

So, the next evening, I politely asked if he would mind running next to me instead of behind me. I thought at least if I could see him and feel him beside me, then I would be able to focus. It started out ok, but I still was having trouble with the run. About midway through our run, we came to a small portion of sidewalk and Doug began running in front of me.

It was like a whole new world! I could see him! I could follow him! I could tell if he was turned around trying to tell me something! I could follow his pace and let him lead! I could focus and pray and enjoy my run again!!!

I was thinking this is similar to my walk with Christ. You see, when I just let Christ lead, it all goes as planned. He doesn't want to go at my pace...Dear Lord, I would wear Him out!! He doesn't want to follow me! He wants me to follow Him! He wants me to be able to see and hear when He is trying to tell me something! He wants to led me through the mud puddles and obstacles in the path of life!

Jogging together with Doug has been great since I have let him lead...and you know what...the same is true when I give up the lead to Christ!

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Exodus 15:13