Time on the treadmill

Anyone who has ever wanted to run a race knows that you can't just start out running on the track, you have to train first. For most that training comes from a routine on the treadmill. Sometimes  you have a trainer there with you to tell you when to increase your speed and when to rest, sometimes you have to do it on your own. Depending on your endurance, the time on the treadmill may take longer than you planned. Running on a treadmill takes a lot of energy and even though the counter may say you are increasing in distance, you really aren't going anywhere.

Stay with me on this one.....Life is a journey. Sometimes in our journey we need to stop and have a training moment. We need to build up endurance for that next leg of the race. Sometimes we have to spend some time on the treadmill. God's still right there with us and sometimes He may increase the incline and speed, not to exhaust us or make us feel like we are going crazy, but to build up that endurance to keep going. Time on the treadmill can be difficult because you are running hard, giving it your all,  and feeling like you are going no where. Hold on sweet child, the training will be over soon and the pace will slow. You'll head off the treadmill and feel ready to take on the world!

Where is this coming from you may ask? Well God knows I'm visual and need a picture to explain things. I've asked Him what was up with the intensity I've felt over the last three weeks and tonight I heard the answer.  Tonight He whispered, you've been on the treadmill. Since I've started more than once a running program, this was an example I got very quickly. Running on a treadmill takes a lot of energy and can seem rather boring because you aren't going anywhere. Sometimes though we have those moments in our journey. Times when the speed increases and the incline goes higher, you take off running and giving it your all only to realize you aren't going anywhere. Those times are not easy. Some may call them tests, but I like to think of it as preparation. The treadmill explains the last few weeks for me. I've been running at a speed that is honestly not healthy. I'm not sure if my time on the treadmill is done, but I'm ready to get off and head on to the next part of this journey with Him. However, I'd rather finish the treadmill time now instead of being back on it again soon. One thing is for sure, you can't get off the treadmill and not feel stronger. (Side note...We don't arrive at our journey until we reach heaven. This journey may have more "treadmill" times, but preparation just means something new is ahead. )

Please do not misunderstand this blog. I'm not complaining about anything. I feel incredibly blessed and know that this princess is right where her Daddy wants her. God always has an answer to our questions, and He's not hiding it from us. It may not always be what we want to hear, but it's always right on time. I've learned to share what He shares with me, there may be someone out there that needs to hear it as well. If you feel like the speed has increased and you are running around like " a chicken with your head cut off" , take inventory. If you know you are where He wants you to be, then take a deep breath and keep running the training race. He's preparing you for something even greater. If you aren't sure about what part of the journey you are on...slow down and take a breathe or two...He'll let you know. 

Now all this talk about the treadmill has made me think about how I need to get back on my gym routine next week........
Until next time..........