About a year ago, I embarked on the journey of running. I still wouldn’t call myself “a runner”. I would just say, “I run”.

My youngest son inspired it – he pushed us to start running together, partially as a way to do something together, and partially to help support me in a journey towards continuing to better my health. It has yielded both results, for which I’m grateful.

We have run more than a handful of 5K and longer racing events, which have been fun – from small, local fundraiser 5Ks with less than 50 people running, to massive RunDisney 10 Milers with tens of thousands of runners at Walt Disney World in Florida.

But we’re still not 100% consistent.

It’s actually a consistent joke in our house: “Are you guys actually running today or not?”

Some days are hard, some days are easy. But working towards the consistency is key, and a good goal. We’re working on it.

Just like so many other things in life, it just takes the conscious decision to get up and go. It takes putting one foot in front of the other.

We found that last week as we headed out on a hot, 90 degree St. Louis day with close to 100% humidity. It was a hot and sweaty run, but it was done!

Hot, sweaty, and done – one foot in front of the other.

What else in life takes this mindset and approach? Almost everything… work, relationships, leisure, taking care of home, raising family… Deepening our prayer life and relationship with God.

One step at a time.

Reflection: Father in Heaven, what are the areas of my life where I step back from opportunity or responsibility when it’s hard, or boring, or not as fulfilling as I had hoped? Help me understand the steps to take, and the path through difficulty. Give me strength and grace to always take the next steps.

Also: Speaking of running, I’m helping to lead bringing back the Royal Run 5K (& 1K Fun Run) at St. Elizabeth this fall. The event is a fundraiser towards our Centennial Capital Campaign. You can read more and register here. Or if you’re interested in volunteering in some way, contact me.