A Morning Run

My husband and I have been going on morning runs together. Although I am thankful for our healthy like-mindedness, I sometimes wonder why I didn't politely decline when he invited me the first time. The way Jeremy and I approach a run is SO totally different. As I trailed him again this morning, I realized that our running styles parallel our life together.

I could run for miles on a flat, even road at a steady pace. Jeremy likes hills and rough terrain. No warm-up. Just hit the pavement and go as fast as you can as quickly as you can. I am usually listening to Jack Johnson Radio while he is yelling back to me over whatever is thumping in his headphones.

In our relationship, family life and church Jeremy is the visionary and the do-er. He has absolutely no reservations taking an ultra-last minute trip somewhere. He is famous for tracking a snowstorm and giving us one hour to be packed and in the car. Since I am more of the planner I would like a little more notice than that. But, I have adapted and can usually see the fire in his eyes or measure his speech and know that there is a possible trip underfoot.

There is an illustration that we commonly use on our church staff about Jeremy and I. He is the ship and I am the rudder. Without the ship we would go nowhere. Without the rudder the ship would be unstable and the passengers may fall off.

My friend teased and called me 'stable Mabel'. She's right, I am way too content just keeping things steady. So, as I literally ate my husbands dust this morning, I had to thank God for his pushing me and keeping us moving ever forward. Relationships are no easy task and it is truly a gift when you find the strengths and weaknesses in your spouse and you help to glorify them rather than fight them.

P.S. I still fantasize about running in circles around the lake at a comfortable pace.