Run for Joy

       In the 60’s before running or jogging was in vogue, my dad intentionally parked over a mile from his downtown office.  Did he do it to save money?  Did he do it because he could not find a parking spot up close?  Maybe not…   Wearing a crisp suit, a white shirt, tie and hat on his head, with briefcase in hand he ran to work.  Running was his expression of an exuberant joyful attitude that identified this man.  Running is not just an action, but it is also a form of self expression.

       Running expresses an attitude.  “Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.” Mark 9:15 “Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’" Mark 10:17   “So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.”  Matthew 28:8 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

       I love to watch children run.  It expresses enthusiasm that cannot be expressed in any other way.  Ask a child to come to do something special and the child will run.  Ask a child to do a chore and the child will walk or worse.  At school, we spend a lot of time teaching children to walk instead of running, leaping or bouncing.  I wish we could let them run.

       When I fell off a ladder six years ago, running became nearly impossible for me to do. I learned to walk quickly, but not run.  Lately, I have been practicing in the basement, because running is something I miss.  On a beautiful day, I imagine running and feeling the fresh air in my lungs and the sunshine on my face.  Running is better than walking to me.  Walking is good, but running is better.

      There is one thing better than running, however.

       “Now as the ark of the Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David …King David leaping and whirling before the Lord…”  2 Samuel 6: 16

            

       “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”  Acts 3:1-8