While running today, I began to reflect on Friday’s lesson with my students at Dudley High School. My students and I wrote our thoughts about the old saying “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Students were encouraged to share their thoughts about what makes a person strong, what pushes a person to do good, or often times, heroic deeds. And on the other hand, what makes others go so wrong? (All of this will soon tie in with a unit I am planning on Homer’s The Odyssey where we will study strength and personal journeys. We’ll use our experiences in connection with the text to think about where we’ve been, where we are, where we want to be, and how to get there.)
As I rounded the corner at the 1.5 mile mark in my run, I glanced at my watch. 15:07. Not an Olympic qualifying time, but understand that two years ago, running this same stretch of road often took me 20 to 25 minutes. I can see that I’ve gained strength. My form has improved and I no longer need to puff my inhaler before I reach the top of that hill I just climbed.
God has granted me the ability to run and running has helped me to find strength in everyday situations. Running has helped me push myself to succeed, and that push for success has spilled over into other areas of my life. I use that time to reflect, ask questions, make plans… and then pray about those same questions and plans. Without a doubt, my faith makes me strong and it is an important part of my personal journey.
Along the next stretch of road I began thinking about the words my students shared with me in their writing on Friday. One student pointed out that the tough times in our lives are often what make us stronger. I couldn’t agree more as I remembered the time I was in a wheelchair for four months following a car accident in 2001. If someone had told me then that I would be where I am today, doing the things I do, I would have assured them they had my future confused with someone else’s.
My mind drifted further as I thought about the ½ marathon I ran in a few weeks ago. I spent the summer training for it and I finished the race; but, not without mistakes and upsets which included a fall that messed up my shoulder and ankle. Finishing that race was tough, especially after my fall. I was mad, aggravated, and I wanted to cry. In fact, I did cry for a moment. And then I remembered why I was there. I was there to RUN, not walk, not cry, and certainly not to pout. I remember touching my necklace and reciting the verse inscribed on the back: Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” And so, with God’s grace, I continued running and finished the race strong.
I was reminded of some things during that race that will help me be stronger in life. I am reminded that no matter how hard we train or prepare for life, there is no teacher as great as the real thing we call experience. Nothing could have prepared me for the hills of Antietam Battlefield that I encountered in that course other than the real thing. Along the way of life, there will be bumps and bruises… or twisted ankles and sore shoulders. The trick is not simply getting up after the fall, it’s the attitude we have once we are back on our feet. We have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually we cross the finish line. We should never plow over someone else in an effort to get there, yet I have found that finish line to be much sweeter when I smile along the way. The lessons learned during the tough times in life do make us stronger. Personally, I find great comfort in knowing that even in the tough times, I am not alone. I have a God who has blessed me with His comfort and surrounded me with a wonderful family and support system of friends.
And now, as I finish my run and my meandering contemplations about the struggles of life and what makes us strong, I know that I am not here to walk, nor pout, nor cry. I am here to RUN. I am here to do all I can in the time I have, however long (or short) it may be. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all running the race of life. So, double-knot your sneakers and enjoy the run.
Amanda, you are very inspiring and very wise.
ReplyDeleteI wish more people in life would remember what they are doing and go on and do it instead of crying or pouting or just giving up and quiting. Of course your not much of quiter and pouter. Once you set your mind on something you work very hard to accomplish your goal. A very admirable quality and I am proud of you.
ReplyDelete