It was a dreary, rainy Thursday on October 16th. Just around lunch, I got the divine intervention to go for a run.

To be clear, I REALLY don’t like running…mostly because I get bored. But running and endurance is a standard for many fitness pursuits, and therefore it’s a challenge I feel the need to tackle again. I also wonder if I don’t hide in my boredom, from the need to just buckle in, and pass through the suffering miles can teach? Only one way to find out I guess…

I’d been out running a few times the last week or two putting in 3-5 miles a time. Nothing to write home about, but I was out there doing the work, in addition to doing other exercise at home and/or in the gym.

The road behind my house travels east and west along the golf course. It’s a county road setting the boundary for the city and golf course to the north, and the country and 100s of acres of farmland to the south. It’s easy to get out of the driveway, and complete a loop or two on the county road to log a few miles.

I was about 2.5 miles into this run and it was lightly raining. Not so much to be annoying, but just enough to keep a guy cool and refreshed with a kiss of moisture to a red face. I was at the top of a hill to the west of my house, headed east down a long and gradual decline into the countryside. It’s a nice place to reset the heart rate and stride. I heard a rumble and felt the exhaust of something very near me. A contractor’s truck loudly crept up alongside me. The window rolled down.

“You need a ride?” barked a large, gruff man out the window with a half-hearted smile

“Hell no!” I remarked.

Hell no? Where did that come from? (insert facepalm emoji)

“You know it’s raining right?” Said the driver.

“YUP!” I said with extreme pride.

This is the moment something changed!

I smiled, ear to ear, threw my fist into the air…and pointed East (not breaking stride). As to say, this is where I’m going and you better get your ass moving! The driver threw me a thumbs up, and rumbled off to the east. I wondered who put that guy there, in my life at that moment…knowing I needed a push?

A rush of energy and enthusiasm came over me. Was he kidding? Maybe. Was he really wondering why I was running in the rain? I kind of hoped so, because I knew he wouldn’t!!

I hadn’t felt totally myself in a month or so. September work travel to FL sent me home with what was likely a COVID diagnosis (although I never felt the need to test…why?). Another trip to Chicago a few weeks after and more interrupted sleep left my tank half full. I hadn’t gotten a great night of sleep in what felt like weeks since Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Even though my exercise routine continued on, I just hadn’t regained my stamina. It’s a flywheel and all gears need to find rhythm. Faith. Family. Fitness. Finances.

But doing the work, works.

Commitment works. I’d started mixing between running and indoor biking on my Peloton. In October I recommitted to my nightly stretching and meditation routine, in hopes of clearing my restless mind. I recommitted to my daily reading of a daily devotional and Stoic philosophy(one page a day, every day). It’s all additive. It creates, builds and sustains momentum.

I’m writing this on Sunday, Oct. 19th. Last night I had the first great night of sleep in 6+ weeks. This morning I listened to a sermon where the pastor challenged us to think about, How is God’s spirit operating in my life?” I truly felt like this was one of those moments. I felt like someone was saying, “I see you. I’m here. Here’s a little wind in your sails.” Keep Hammering! – Ok, that’s not God, that’s Cam Hanes…but I was listening to his audiobook ENDURE during this jog.

I returned home, after 5-6 miles and a full heart. I knew something had shifted in me on that quick, early afternoon effort. I knew there was more work to do, but that in doing that work, another breakthrough was certain. When will it come? Who will it come from? I do not know. But what’s the worst that can happen by staying committed to the work?

~Be out there! Good things will happen.

Have an amazing week!