"It's supposed to be hard.....the hard is what makes it great"
This morning I got up around 5:30am to get ready and head out the door to get in my long run for the week. I'm a morning runner, so three days out of the week I'm out the door by 6:30am or earlier. It's always dark, and I'm usually scurrying around in the wee hours trying to get myself together. The moon is usually still out, and as we begin our run it's typically the only light leading us forward. The morning is still and you experience the calm right before the hustle and bustle of the morning.
I used to hate running in the mornings, but this training season I have grown to really enjoy it. To enjoy the stillness. To enjoy the quite. To enjoy those early mornings running into the dark unknown.
So why running?!
Like several in our community we are running the San Antonio Rock N Roll Half-Marathon/Marathon with an organization called Team World Vision. This is our church's second year running for this organization. Team World Vision exists to help raise money to provide clean water for communities in Africa. In addition to providing clean water, they walk alongside and assist some of the most vulnerable kids and families through sponsorship and programs while the water project goes through the process of start to finish. They challenge new and seasoned runners to get out there and run on behalf of the most vulnerable. But it's not just about the run, it's about the story. It's about the kids. We are running on BEHALF of them, and advocating (as well as fundraising) so that they may get a chance at life to the fullest.
So this morning, as I headed out on my early morning run I began to picture and imagine the kids we are running on behalf of. How most of them make early morning commutes for water, school, etc with nothing leading them but the light of the moon. In the stillness and darkness of the morning, I couldn't help but picture little faces like Meretech's from Ethiopia.
And all I could think about was the MAGNITUDE of it all.
The thought about how simple obedience to run will transform lives is mind-blowing. The thought about how a willingness to put myself out there, so that others may join in the story will be kingdom building. The thought about how the Lord has invited me into playing a small role in the transformation of kids lives is humbling. The thought about how one day kids like Meretech wont lack access to clean water and will get a fighting chance, all because a group of passionate people decided to run on her behalf.
THIS is why I run.
When the Lord reminds me of these things, it always makes the runs that much more important. That much more impactful. It makes every mile worth it. Every early morning worth it. Little faces from across the globe inspire me daily, if not minute by minute to carry on. This is for them. I want this for them. And I love that I get to invite other people into their story.
-Liz Mendoza
