Running in Community

This summer I discovered the need to prioritize my time (see 8 Things I Learned Fasting From Social Media).

One of the things I wanted to do was start jogging. (Don't worry, this isn't going to morph into a running blog where you continuously see the numbers 13.1 and 26.2.)

Once I was a dedicated runner. But then life happened: kids, career, blogging, volunteering, being a Christian, spending time on social media, turning 30, Big Bang Theory, a love for stationary, Shark Week, and Amish love novels. You get the picture.

But at the beginning of August, I decided to start jogging again.

Thirty minutes a day, every other day.

Distance and speed wasn't a concern (like I needed to worry about fartleks), but rather stacking days of thirty minute segments.

Progress was slow.

At times I felt like vomiting. Other times I thought death was around the corner.

But every other day for the month, I laced up my running shoes, started a 30 minute timer, and took off.

Something you should know is that I hate jogging with other people.

I like running by myself.

I don't like to be pushed when jogging. Nor do I like to push others.

My running mantra is "Be the tortoise." Men don't like to be the tortoise and typically it turns into an unofficial race.

However, on Sunday I took off on my route.

A lot of people were out but one person started their jog right before me.

In the beginning I kept the same pace.

Eventually, I caught up and passed my buddy. It didn't feel like I was jogging any faster than normal.

When I approached my first mile, I heard my pace.

It was by far the fastest mile I had ran the entire month. (I would tell you the time, but I want to save face.)

The funny thing though was that I didn't feel winded. I felt good. I felt like I could go on forever at the speed. From time to time I would look back to see where my jogging partner was. Before long they disappeared on a different route.

I began reflecting on my growth over the past month as I ran.

And then it hit me.

If this other jogger wouldn't have been pacing me, I would never have ran a mile that fast.

Even though I prefer to run alone, I ran faster with someone.

That's the importance of community.

Our faith is no different. We run faster and farther with others.

Even though often we don't want to because we want to go at it alone, don't have time, are too embarrassed, or prideful.

Americans approach their faith as something we do alone. We have a quiet time alone with God. Which is necessary, but it's not the most important thing.

God created us in His image, which guess what? Happened to include the community of the Trinity.

The Bible is filled with stories of community.

I'm not sure you can easily find a passage where a person wasn't in community. Maybe Jonah, but you see how that worked out for him.

The truth is that we were made to be in community with one another. We were made to run with people. When you run with others, you run faster and farther than you could on your own. You grow into a mature Christian.

A lot of your churches are starting Fall small groups, life groups, community groups, whatever you call them.

Sign up for one.

Or maybe start your own group of Christians who come together.

Perhaps call a friend and talk with them about being an accountability partner.

Just whatever you do, don't run alone.