As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)
The mornings have grown cold. When I tie my running shoes and stand alone at the porch door, the crisp air makes me want to retreat. Maybe it would be better to run later in the day (I know full well there will be no time later). Maybe tomorrow morning won’t be so chilly (the forecast tells me that it will).
Truth is, I’ve gotten a little off track with this regular running thing, and it’s hard to push the door open, step into the morning brisk and get going again.
I started running last April when my friend Teresa sent me a text prayer request. “Pray about a running class I want to offer at the fitness center?”
I did pray. But there was also a whisper of the heart. A gentle nudge in my thought life. I should join the class. It would be a good way for me to get in better shape. I thought for a few days. Came up with every reason not to take the class. Then I bucked up, got brave, paid the fee and signed my name on the line.
And I’m thankful.
The running class was a precious thing.
There were five ladies in the class. And every Friday, from March to July, we met just as the sun began to rise.
Teresa encouraged us, and we took small strides. First we ran minute-and-a-half intervals. Then we stretched longer periods of time. Then distances. Then hills.
Every Friday morning this sweet band of ladies came together to sweat, push and conquer. And when, under the strong July sun, we met our four mile goal, the joy of the accomplishment was dear because it was shared among friends.
The accountability of these ladies kept me going all week.
Their encouragement was like gold.
When I think about it, the blessing of my running buddies wasn’t too different from my spiritual life. When I’m surrounded by like-minded people, it’s easier to push ahead. When I have others beside me, surrounding me, cheering me on and even feeling my struggle, it’s easier to pound the pavement of life.
God’s Word tells us that this accountability, this growing and working and learning together is like iron sharpening iron.
Oh, the blessing of having others to encourage me in my walk with the Lord!
Life would tougher, struggles would be deeper, and staying on track with my spiritual life would be so much harder without the love and encouragement of my sisters in the Lord. And the victories wouldn’t be as sweet.
Thank you, Lord, for those who walk beside me and encourage me in my relationship with You.
I stand at the threshold and decide to move forward. I walk up across the patio and up the stairs and by the time I’m a quarter mile down the road, I’m moving with a quick, steady beat.
Our class is no longer meeting, and I live a fair distance from classmates, but I think I’ll look for a local running partner.
There is deep blessing in the company of others.
And I don’t want to go it alone.
