Friday, November 5, 2010

A running post

Its hard to not define yourself by the things you do.  Our society is constantly putting labels on people based on their job, hobbies, political affiliations, and lots of other things.  I mean even back going into junior high youth group.  It seemed like all the older kids had a "thing" that they were known for or a place that they fit in.  A comfortable spot, if you will.  People knew them and what they were about.  When you first joined you weren't known for anything, but I worried about what I would be known for.  Same thing happened in college, but since I ran and I joined a team of people that ran and loved Jesus, we had a lot in common anyway, so you just accept each other and feel comfortable waiting to be known.  And if you worked hard people would respect you even if you weren't known for anything else. 

When I graduated from college, I was injured.  I have a bad hamstring, so I couldn't run.  Now running means a lot of different things to me.  It keeps you in shape and feeling good, it relieves stress, I was a part of a team with a goal, I had friends who loved me just because, and honestly I was good at it- I loved competing, and I could compete well.  So not being able to run was difficult for me.  I was stressed about a lot of things this summer and I couldn't run plus not being able to run was stressing me out and I had no outlet for that.  But besides that, I like being known as a runner, I'm proud of it and proud of what I've accomplished, but I still think I could accomplish more. 

Then coming to grad school in a new state where I don't know anyone is hard.  I've never really had to make friends from scratch before.  So I can be known for whatever I want now.  But I like being known as a runner and I can't be.  So I've thrown a lot more effort into school, which is good. 

I guess I should just want to be known as a follower of Christ.  Its hard to put all my worth in Jesus.  Plus it seems like when you do that a lot of people judge you based on other experiences they have had with people that call themselves Christian.  Plus there are a lot of people that are good people that aren't Christian.  What makes Christians different?

Plus I have been reading Shane Claiborne's "Irrisistable Revolution"  which just seems like unless I live in poverty or devote my life to helping those in poverty and am a missionary then I'm not really following what Christ preaches.  So I feel like there are just so many things I should be doing and its overwhelming and I have no idea where to start. 

3 comments:

  1. I know sometimes the Christian world makes it seem like the only way to be a true follower of Christ is through missionary work, but remember that there are so many parts of Christ's body. We all do our part :) Love you Lizz!

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  2. I think you have already started, Lizz--by thinking about it so intentionally. Keep searching. And about the running...well, you know I can relate. :)

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  3. Lizz! I just found your blog, call me a creeper if you want :) But WOW i'm so glad you started one! I've been planning to start one for a couple months now, so I'm excited that you actually did it! And I will definitely be starting mine soon...my goal is before Christmas. Anyway, I like your thoughts! How has running been lately?

    Like Calah, I can relate...your last sentence really stuck out to me, and I have similar feelings. If you'd like somewhere in scripture to start, check out Romans 12. The Message version in particular is awesome!

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