Looking Back
When we rearranged our workout room, the treadmill was moved so the doorway was behind it. Now I can tell you that being startled while on a treadmill is no joke! I’m barely balanced on that machine as it is without jumping out of my skin every time someone sneaks up behind me with a question. I solved that pretty quick by hanging a mirror in front of the treadmill so I could see who’s walking in that door behind me. An added bonus is that every time I go for an indoor run, I’m reminded of what a great runner, Gene Dykes, once said: “Beat that guy in the mirror.” What a great quote! Comparing yourself to others is a tough go considering we all have different strengths but if you keep trying to beat yourself and do your personal best, you always win.
Gene’s quote has me “looking back” on more than just my running times though. Over ten years ago, I returned to running and felt so great that I thought everyone would love to run too and wore people out with my running stories. I’ve since learned that, for the most part, the only people who want to hear so much about running are other runners. Finding more people who like to hear about running has been great for me and all my non-runner friends too!
There is a quote by Evan Esar that goes: “The disadvantage of becoming wise is that you realize how foolish you’ve been.” It’s really a disadvantage only if you don’t want to hurt your pride. Past failures take a punch at my pride, but that is far from a disadvantage. Allowing humility to shine helps me understand when someone says or does the same dumb thing I did just a little while ago. Humility bears compassion and hope for those still growing, myself included!
Even Paul, who wrote 28% of the New Testament, tells about how he used to arrest and murder Christians. His dramatic change while he was out to imprison more Christians has helped bring countless more to follow Christ. It’s amazing what God does despite our best efforts to fight Him. He pulls us close and in Hebrews 8:12b, says “I will remember their sins no more.” God’s personal best for us will more than beat that person in the mirror. Past failures are forgotten and forgiven when we mirror Christ. I can’t think of anything more glorious, motivating or healing than that.
I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. — Psalm 119:32
