Running to His Arms - Why I Run...

Sunday while in worship in church, the team led Hillsong's "Forever Reign". I have renamed the song "Running to His Arms." The song is more of my hearts cry for Christ. I imagine one day running as fast as I can into God's arms, arms wide open, awaiting me! Makes me smile and cry to imagine that sweet moment. So every Sunday this song is played, I am reminded of the many reasons I run and this blog will share a little into my heart for God and for this amazing tool he has used to draw me into his arms.

First off, I run because God allows me to. I acknowledge that without him, I am nothing. I never want to allow running to become an idol that comes in front of God. I want my running to glorify God.

I run because God used running as a tool to bring me back into his arms.
I run because a good habit is always better than a bad one.

Running is my therapy. Running is my stress relief. I run to release any frustration that has been building in my life, heart, and mind.

I run for my health. You can see my physical transformation from running here on the blog.
I run because I like to eat. I do NOT like to diet... and I don't diet. If I want a piece of cake or cookies or pizza... I have it (in moderation).

I run with friends and family. Running has been an amazing way to build wonderful relationships (real ones, lasting ones, ones I will cherish forever). Some of my greatest memories now are from stories shared while running.

I run to inspire others. No not everyone likes running or will run, but I hope that my story encourages others and says "If I can do it... you can too!"

Sometimes I just need to run alone (or run with my dog Charlie -who can't talk back to me). Those runs are usually short and sweet!
I run to hear the birds chirping. I run in the rain. I run to see the sun rises and sun sets. I run and take in the beauty of God's creation. It forces me to slow down and realize all the beautiful blessings surrounding us every day that we're just to busy to see as we speed by.

I run fast some days. I run slow some days. Some days God just forces me to walk. I find that some of the sweetest times are when I'm yucky, in a bad mood, forced to slow down... and then God teaches me and reveals to me something beautiful.

I run because it is a challenge. Each run is different. Each run has a start, a journey in the middle, and a finish line. Most runs are training runs for a bigger goal. You just have to put in the work to get to where you want to be.

I run because I love to. I seriously love every step (ok maybe not every step...) and if ever there comes a time when I lose joy in running... I'm sure God will show me a new path!

I was once running away from the bad choices and habits in my life. Running then was a survival tactic. Now I run as a reminder than with Christ I can do all things. I no longer have to run from the hurt, habits, and pain of my past. I can bring it all to God (usually during those early morning runs) and he always embraces me with arms wide open!