While running this morning, I had several deep thoughts. OK, maybe more like I thought a little while I was running. It was very dark, but not as cold this morning. I am trying to get over a cough that I seem to get this time every year. So the fact it was not as cold as it has been was fine with me. Anyway I have a few different loops I run that vary in distances. On Wednesdays (like today), I typically run one of my 3 or 4 mile loops. I decided on the one I wanted and headed out. As I was on my way back I ran into a pool of light that one of the few streetlights on this loop was putting out. I noticed as I ran out of the light that my shadow became larger and larger and that it blended in more and more with the surrounding darkness until there was no shadow left only darkness. Now bear with me here. When I am in centered in the light, there is no shadow. However, when I move away from the center there is a shadow but it is not very big. The further I move from the center, the bigger my shadow gets until everything is shadows and there is very little light left. Wow! Now for the application that I know everyone already sees. If I stay centered in Christ, there is no me. I am one with Him and God sees Jesus when He looks at me! However, if I move away from Christ there is a lot more of me and less of Christ until I am no different from the world.
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12
What this taught me is to stay focused on walking with Christ - staying in the light so that when people see me they see light (Jesus).
A Little About Me
- "Chewy" Shane Roberts
- I am an avid marathon runner, in love with my beautiful wife Jennifer, father of 2 great boys Will and Brooks, searching for what the Lord wants for me. I love Tar Heel Basketball, reading,drinking good coffee (I am a coffee snob), and good beer (not in excess!). Go Ugly Mug!
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1 comment:
What a beautiful analogy God gave you while you "were running". What a sweet reminder. I agree & humbly realize that when there is more of "me", I lose sight & get lost in the darkness. And, when sin creeps in & worldly desires surround me, I crave His word, His light, etc...The Holy Spirit is so sweet to always walk with us if we choose to walk with Him-not in front of Him, though. I love His gentle nudges & reminders in the darkness. I love His voice in moments alone---I know running is a time of fellowship with Him. His flashlight is much stronger & safer than anything the world offers, sooooooooo...those shadows (sin, questions that haunt, hurt, worldly pain) are just shadows---temporary & unsatisfying. I like to think of them(shadows) as boogie men, too, just lurking in the darkness; waiting for us to fail. Safety net: His word, Holy Spirit...still, small voice.
I love you...and thank you for loving & listening to Jesus. "This little light of mine, He's gonna let it shine..."
Now, off to scare away the shadows of doubt & idea that I can't press through the madness of the last month.
Weird thought: Chase died on Jan. 25th; Karen died on Nov. 25th, & Jesus was born on the 25th of Dec. Thank you, God, for the reminder of life & death & that you LOVE us so much that you desire to take us back home.
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