The Good Choice--Hope

Facing a possible shoulder surgery, facing the down time, the lost opportunities and events; I rise the morning yet in hope.

With my fast yesterday there seemed to come a certain peace and knowing that there needed to be a different plan and perspective. We cannot build the future with the bricks of regret. The fasting was difficult and I became very hungry, especially with all the Christmas goodies already lying about. The hunger became the overriding thought and concern for that moment and regrets had to take the back seat. All I could seem to think of was those fresh roasted almonds in the pantry. Surprisingly, I awoke this morning not all that ravenous and feel I could go on in the fast for a couple more days, but I won't. The purpose is served.



I do endurance sports for the good life it gives me, the thrill, the discipline, the hope. But ultimately I do this for the glory of God. In this new event called surgery and rehabilitation may I make Him proud and glorify Him in this as well.

To Remain a "Restless Warrior"

Yesterday the MRI report came in describing the fact that I have tendon ruptures in a couple places in the shoulder. It looks like surgery and rehab are under my Christmas tree this year.
This is not the vision I had for the new year but it is the vision I am dealt.

The challenge will be not to give in to the ease, comfort and passive lifestyle of a health care recepient but to remain a "restless warrior," seeing this setback as an opportunity to heal and regroup rather than a place to just lay it down; to become a fat old man.

So today I am fasting today, more or less to implant a discipline against the seductive lifestyle of which I will be forced to partake. And I will be praying for a strength that is far above my own.

Enduring: Lesson in Living

This morning the shoulder is in pain. Last night sleep was done in fits and starts. The endurance mindset or skills acquired through endurance sports serves me well here today. And today, I find out about what is going on in the shoulder and consequently my season will be directly impacted.

Hope and faith are summoned in my behalf: hope for good results and a healthy, hopeful start of a new training regimen and the prospects of a new season. Faith, that regardless of the results, regardless of the prospects of this immediate future; I can and will endure in whatever season I am called into because God's got my back.

Night Run

It was a cold, damp, dark night for my first night run in a very long time. Back then most of my miles were done after dark. But, I had given up on night running several years ago after continued verbal warnings like "you are older now,", and "lots of stuff can happen to you out there running after dark" and "you know, you are not getting any younger." I guess I listened to the voices of imminent doom rather than picking up my light and getting on the road.

Of course, most of it all is true. Lots of stuff CAN happen to you at night and most of it is wonderful. There is the star-speckled night sky, the lessened traffic, and the eloquence of silence, except an howl hooting, coyotes yipping or the sound of your own footsteps and the brush-brush of the winter clothing. Additionally, there is a sense of adventure to night running that heightens the senses and enhances appreciation for the blessing of being alive. And, as far as the second argument, that I'm not getting any younger: Well, who is getting any younger anyway? Not even infants are getting any younger. So, I need to find my light, while I am still young enough; go out and greet God's handiwork and the inspiring experience that is night running.

Humbled and Exalted

This cold, damp, overcast week has me looking at the event listings for next year. It is like I am burrowing out of myself into the sunshine little by little. And, I looked at that half ironman distance event to be held in Galveston, April 25th. Probably be windy then. Will have to wear a wetsuit because the water will be a little cold. Could be foul weather about then. With this bad shoulder, I doubt I could do a half by then. I checked the participant list: those who have already registered in spite of all the negatives. A much larger number of folks have registered than I would have expected. Fools! Don't they know the water might be cold, the weather bad and the course windy? But oh my, on that list I found a man my age. Then the cruncher: there was a man 79 who had signed up. And I thought of part of that quote by Theodore Roosevelt and how aptly it so aptly applie at this point: "----------if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold timid souls who have never tasted victory of defeat."

Thank God for brave souls of all ages who humble us with their courage. Perhaps, with enough humility I will indeed be exalted.

A Little Off Dead Center

Sometimes it seems that this lifestyle is a little counter-culture; a little off dead center. I have always been a little different so being in the "little off dead center"sub-culture seems appropriate; it is where the action is. It might even be considered that it is called "dead" center because it is not very lively there.

Who Cares?

There is a song with the words: "May the footsteps that we leave, lead them to believe and the life we live inspire them to obey." On my birthday, I was talking to my doctor arranging my MRI and I noticed this picture here in his file. All these years I had no idea he had even more than a casual professional interest in what I do. Are there others? I think so. On my birthday card my son wrote how much he admired the training discipline that I had shown and how he would like to be able to emulate that discipline in his own life.

Sometimes things get me down in this lifestyle. Sometimes the fatigue is oppressive. Sometimes I just want to quit and take up watching television, and become as old as my years. But, to whom much is given; much is required and I have been given much and consequently, there is much required of me. Those blessings I have been given exact a responsibility that should not be shirked just because things get tough. And so it is with the rest of our lives and our faith life as well. It is incumbent upon us as recipients of the gift that "those who come behind us find us faithful."