Discipline In Race Season

As a runner, competitor and one who is seemingly interested in being healthy (not to mention dealing with major food sensitivities) I get the meaning of the word DISCIPLINE. To be physically fit and to treat your body well means self-control, to push through excuses, to know your purpose and have a vision. Never have I regretted the outcome of getting up super early to do 150 consecutive wall balls. Never have I regretted my tedious running schedule while I am running a half marathon. But, I have regretted eating chips and salsa, knowing that I am not suppose to eat corn. I have regretted the mornings in which I hit the alarm to snooze, knowing I am suppose to be at CrossFit. Discipline is hard because it requires something different of us. Many times it is a battle just for me to make the right decision. I am prone to dragging my feet. I complain and get frustrated, questioning why I am doing what I am doing. Good news... it is temporary! I have learned that consistently choosing to say yes to the things that need to be yes and no to the things that need to be no gets easier and it reinforces my goals.

Why, you ask, am I rambling about having discipline when it comes to taking care of myself?

Lately, I have been reading and rereading Hebrews 11 and 12. These two chapters talk about faith that endures. A few Sundays ago, my pastor pointed out that the scripture calls our relationship with God "a race that has been set before us." As a Christian, I have said so many times my walk with the Lord. But is it really a walk? I could go for a walk right this minute, without having much thought to it and physically be okay, whereas running a marathon right at this second would require so much more of me. I have seriously been sitting on the idea that living out my faith is a race and I am to run it with endurance. I know from experience to have endurance means I have to be disciplined before and through my race.

So, back to my initial question, Why am I rambling about having discipline when it comes to taking care of myself? My response…The same mentality I have for being physically fit should be the same way I approach my race with the Lord. Each day I wakeup and choose to make decisions that are healthy for my body, with the mindset, of Is what I am doing now going to be profitable? Now, more than ever, I desire to do things that yield results that are beneficial. There are easy days and some that are grueling. I know this about training and it gives me the assurance that I can push through whatever is temporary. My discipline will be worth it when I finish my race well. This illustration of running a race has challenged me on so many levels in terms of how I approach living a life that reflects the heart of God. So here it begins, my JOURNEY to JUNE, to make choices to be spiritually fit!

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight , and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith... 
-Hebrew 12: 1-2a