On one of my jogging routes when I get about a mile from home I have to climb a hill. It’s not a particularly steep hill, but there is something about the length of the hill and the degree of incline that makes it a really tough stretch.
No matter how nice the weather, or how easy the rest of the run has been, when I get to the base of the hill I begin to think about quitting. I almost always seriously consider bringing my already snail’s pace run to an even slower pace and walk the rest of the way. Not only do I consider quitting with only a mile left in my run, I often have thoughts of possibly dying right there on the hill. While trying to conquer the hill I have often questioned the usefulness of exercise, good health, and life in general.
Even with all those voices in my head telling me to give up on the “killer” hill, so far I never have. Why? I assure you it has nothing to do with my exceptional level of physical conditioning. Nor can it be attributed to my amazing stamina. There is only one reason I keep trudging when every part of my body is telling me to stop. That is, I do my best to focus on the top of the hill.
I remind myself that once I get to the top it will be easier the rest of the way, but I have to get to the top. When I begin to feel the strain of the increased incline I have to focus on the top of the hill instead of the labored breathing and the tightening leg muscles. I keep reminding myself, that once I reach the top I’ll be glad I didn’t quit. So far, I have not been disappointed.
|
As I make my run through life, I am faced with another kind of hill.
|
Sometimes as I make my run through life I am faced with another kind of hill. Just like the hill on my jogging course these hills tempt me to quit. The hills look longer and steeper with every step. The breaths get shorter and more labored with each new hill. The desire to “just give up and go home” gets more and more inviting the older I get. I often wonder if I will I be able to make it to the top of this hill? Will I have to quit before I reach the end of my run? But, you know, I haven’t quit yet. Why? How? By remembering to look up.
Not only does reaching the top of the hill inspire me to keep on running physically, but when I look toward the top of the hills in life, I see someone standing there waiting for me. He’s waving for me to keep moving. He’s reminding me that He has already run this course and He will help me.
Seeing Him reminds me of the words I have read, “My strength is sufficient. When you are weak, then you are strong.” Seeing Him reminds me that I am not alone on the hill, and that there is power available to me for the asking. Seeing Him at the top of the hill reminds me that it will be worth it.
You’re making your run through life and you have been at it for a while. Up ahead you see the hill. Your energy is low. Your strength is almost gone. You wonder how you will be able to make the climb. Your mind begins to work on you. Your muscles begin to tighten. You begin to doubt. You start looking down at your feet, and your pace is getting slower. Look up! The hill does not go on endlessly. You will reach the top if you don’t give up. There is someone waiting for you. He’s watching you. He’s made the climb. Keep running. It will be worth it. Enjoy your hill.
© 2000, Tom Norvell. Used by permission. A Norvell Note is a weekly email message from Tom Norvell. Check it out!
It Will Be Worth It