:: greatness is a life well-lived ::

running and flying

Running...a newfound love of mine. I used to hate it, but it's become something I crave doing, and feel incomplete if I finish a day without having exerted myself in this endeavor. I plan to continue the habit even after this weekend's race, which is why I began running in the first place...

When Saturday morning dawns, it'll be time for the 5th/3rd Riverbank Run. I've been training for some time now to run the 5K (3.1 miles). It's my first race of this sort ever, and I'm excited to be caught up in the race day energy. Kristin and I are planning make the run together. It should be a good time.

Flying...another activity I love. My ear is super-sensitive to flying machines. My house is in helicopter path; they fly so low to our house it shakes everything. Whenever I see big jets high (or low) in the sky, I sigh and imagine what it's like to be on board...going somewhere (or returning from somewhere)...and I feel nostalgic and think of the last time I was at an airport or the last time I flew somewhere. And little planes are just fun...they're all over the place here in West Michigan (gorgeous scenery), the low hum of a single engine teasing me that I'm stuck here on the ground, while those above have a glorious perspective of landscape, tree and sky.

And at the end of June, I'll be flying away! To England, no less! (can we say, I'm just a tad excited!!!!) I got my airline tickets Wednesday. Yeah baby! It's a vacation/missions trip to visit friends/family in Sheffield and be part of The Crowded House Summer in the City mission week. I can't wait! For the fellowship, the Gospel ministry, the tea, the joy of mutual encouragement and laughter.

Sailing...I'm just throwing this one in for fun. I LOVE sailing! Anybody have a sailboat they'd like to share with me this summer? [grin] I recently saw an ad for sailing lessons; I'll have to check into that. Oh and hiking is another one...not just quick/easy hikes, but backpacking proper, with all your survival gear on your back, not sure if you can take another step because your whole body has been used in the effort, when you sleep in your tent at night exhausted and happy. I really need to add more of these activities to my daily life!

Add the word "away" to these and common phrases emerge...
Run away...
Fly away...
Sail away...
interesting that all my favorite things have me going "away" somewhere...

deep thoughts: Not only are these things enjoyable and fun, but in all these activities, I have found deep spiritual connections and applications and even Biblical illustrations. Such encouragement in daily life activities, how all of life is filled with God's presence and purposes. I feel most fully alive when I'm doing these things...feeling God's pleasure, seeing His beauty and glory, abundant life flowing in my veins.

posted by FaithChristine @ 08:01