Mind Games

As an expert in the field (I ran 1/5 of a mile yesterday), I've got to tell you running is all about mind games.

In my long and prolific "running" carrer, I've encountered at least 2 mind game scenarios.
(sidenote:  I feel compelled to use " " whenever using the word "running" in reference to me)

1) A mile is not a mile.
   My track is a sidewalk loop around a grassy playground area directly across the street.  I was sure it was the size of a 1/4 mile track.  My loving & supportive husband drove the car around the loop to verify mileage.  He assures me it's only a 1/5 mile track. 
My optimism of ever running the entire mile plummeted.  In my ignorant bliss, I had convinced myself I could eventually run four laps.  Now I would have to run five laps.
"But that one more lap is gonna kill me", I assured my husband upon receiving the devistating news. 
Sure it is the same distance.  Same mile - but different laps.  There is a huge difference between 4 and 5.

2) Distance is not measured in miles, or even laps -  but in mailboxes and sidewalk cracks
     After resigning myself to five laps, I got started yesterday.  Walked the first lap.  Then "ran" the second.  (The entire second lap, thank you very much). Walked third.  1/2 walked-1/2 ran fourth.  Walked fifth.
Let me describe that second lap for you.......
Started off strong:  "I can do this.  This isn't so bad.  I can make just one lap"
1/4 way through lap: "Ok, keep up the steady breathing..... Don't lose the steady breathing....."
1/2 way through lap: "Only 1/2 way???  This loop has got to be a 1/4 mile, Dan."
3/4 way through lap: "oxygen.... lungs burning..... breathe.... keep......going......gotta make.....1 ....lap"
3/4 and 4 steps:  "make it to......that mailbox.......breathe in....out.... next mailbox....Lungs on fire...."
Lat 20 yards:  "need air....breathe....next sidewalk crack.....next crack....next crack...my chest is exploding
   ......next crack.....almost there...."

Anyhoo - is there a point?  Other than pointing out how pathetically out of shape I am?
Yes.

* A 5 lap mile initially seemed soooo much longer than a 4 lap mile.  But it's the same distance.
* When I was "running" that last 1/2 of a 1/5 mile, I could not focus on the end goal.  I would have died. 
    I had to break it down into smaller (much-much smaller) goals.

Spiritual Applications?
1)  Am I gonna quit running the race simply because it all of a sudden seems soooo much harder/longer until the end?  (Satan whispering in my ear: 5 laps; not 4 - ha!) My racing length of days has already been predetermined by my Maker/Father in heaven. 
The number of laps around the sun I have left doesn't matter.  What matters is that I go the distance of my pre-ordained life.
Finish the race.  (or, in my case - the lap)  I didn't want to, but I was motivated to post I at least made it 1 lap!  Finish strong.
2) Set smaller increment goals.  Do I want Jesus to tell me someday, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?  You bet.  When I am an elderly woman, do I want to be known as a "pillar of the assembly"?  Of course.   But I'm not elderly yet, and fortunately (no thanks to those last 20 yards) am not dead.  In the meantime, I am a work in progress.  Perhaps I should set more attainable goals than "pillar of the assembly".  Maybe like regular Bible study attender, or  faithful prayer warrior, or gentle word sayer, or good works doer.

I'm sure God has lots to teach me using "running".  At least I hope so.  Because I'm not "running" for the sheer joy of it!  :)

Interactive:
Any runners out there?  Has God taught you anything through running?