A New Resolution: All for Naught?

I gave it my all...but it wasn't enough...or was it?

I had been so excited about my new challenge! I had determined to train to run in a 10k race in early April and I seemed to have all that was needed to make it happen! A newly acquired motivation, an abundance of support and encouragement from friends and family, training advise from an experienced athlete! I even started out conditioning and training slowly, and worked my way up over a two month period to running/walking four miles! Just two miles short of reaching my goal! I did everything right! What went wrong? And was it all for naught?

About three weeks prior to the race, I was running with a friend. We had run and walked the four mile course that we had grown accustomed to doing the previous two weeks. We were so excited about our progress. I remember thinking, “I think I can really do this! I'm going to make it!” But when we finished training that night, I noticed that my left knee was rather sore and tight. Later that night, I saw that the knee was not only hurting but was swelling as well. So I put heat and ice on it alternately. But the swelling and pain continued, not just for one but three days. The pain persisted and, in fact, increased. No matter how badly I wanted to be running again, I had to accept the fact that my knee needed rest for several days if there was any chance at entering this race.

I stayed off of it for three more days. By that time I was experiencing “withdrawal” from the physical exercise and mental exhilaration of the training. I determined that I would continue getting low impact exercise at a gym. Maybe that would keep me in shape and still prepare me for the possibility of entering the race.

Soon I was riding up to 10 and 11 miles on the stationery bike and slowly walking 1 to 2 miles on the treadmill. That was encouraging. I was still able to exercise. Maybe my goal was still attainable. Meanwhile my determination not to abandon this goal was intensified as I had several other significant disappointments and losses occurring in my personal life simultaneous to this. Maybe I could hang on to this goal and fulfill one desire of my life, even as seemingly insignificant as this one was!

One week prior to the race, however, I had to face reality. My knee was still not in any condition to run 6.2 miles. I could attempt to walk the entire race rather than run it, I rationalized. But even that would put impact on my knee and could cause long term or permanent damage. Was it really worth it then to continue toward this goal?

Despite my intense determination, in the end, wisdom and reason won out. I reluctantly determined that this particular goal must be abandoned. I would not run or walk in this race. It wasn't wise. I was so disappointed. But there will always be more races to run.

Rather than see this disappointment as a failure, I chose to look at the benefits of the physical training that I had begun...and that I plan to continue. The challenge to run this race benefitted me in numerous ways.

* It gave me something to look forward to...a goal to shoot for.

* It motivated me to do something that I typically have not been motivated to do on my own.

* I have gotten in better physical and mental shape as a result of the training and conditioning .

* It forced me to try new things and meet new people as I continued my pursuit of the goal.

* I have received valued encouragement and affirmation from my friends.

* Getting into better physical condition and health has positively affected my perspective of myself.

* My goal, determination and persistence encouraged some of my friends to improve their health habits as well. That was rewarding to see!

All of these benefits were unexpected bonuses to the original goal.
I didn't reach the finish line that I started out running towards. But, instead, I was pulled into a race that the Lord intended for me to continue to participate in...an endurance race, you might say.

"The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" Proverbs 16:9. I had my plan but the Lord had another. And that was o.k. In fact, it was more than o.k.

No, it was not for naught! Indeed, His ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8) but His ways are for my good and for His glory.

Prayer: "I'm grateful, Lord, that You led me down this path. I had my plan but You directed my steps. And it is leading to health and success that I didn't anticipate. Truly, You are wise and trustworthy in Your plans for me! "

"For I know that plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

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