The Reflections of a Runner

This week, I have run on three separate occasions. One mile at a time. Never in my wildest imagination would I have ever said that about myself. Who knew that seeing Dillon start running last summer to eventually training for a half marathon would spark a desire to run. I've always been the kind to complain. To write myself off before trying. To expect that I would give up. I mostly expect that if there is some sort of expectation put on me by someone else, I will most likely fail to live up to those expectations. And yet, I decided to say yes to running.

I surprise myself too. I almost didn't want to start because I assumed I wouldn't be able to run the whole mile and didn't want to try and give up. I didn't want to prove myself right. But surprisingly (or not surprisingly), I have run the whole time. AND on top of that, I have already noticed improvement in three short days. Sunday. Monday. Thursday. It gives me hope that I can accomplish more than I give myself credit for. It is a slap in the face for all the ways I've written myself off in so many other areas of my life.

I can't help but also reflect upon the overall affect that Dillon has had on my life. He is undoubtedly the most affirming person I have ever known. He brings grace when I would have normally received shame or excuses. He doesn't do things perfectly and yet he inspires me to be more honest, more hopeful, more prayerful. He wouldn't even say or think that he does any of these things well, and yet...he does. I see his heart, the ways he strives for God, and it makes me a better person. I've started flossing more. I actually enjoyed hiking Half Dome. I invested in tools to help me create music and I've started to create more than I have before. I help wash dishes without being asked. And I've started running.

I couldn't have done many of those things without Dillon. And I'm not saying that none of this was possible without him, because over time I maybe could have grown into a more mature person one would hope. I am just reflecting over how joyful this growing season has been this past year and eight months. I am overjoyed more than most people would realize that I have run three times this past week and have not stopped to walk. I thank God for a running partner like my Dilly. He is the best person I would have ever wanted to start running with. And I semi-enjoy it. It's kind of a miracle.