Drenched in Insanity

Running is not my favorite pastime by any means. Since retiring from gymnastics over 3 years ago, I've been on a hunt for a new favorite work out routine in the hopes of staying fit. I've tried classes like kick boxing, step, weight training, yoga, pilates. My school offers a nice gym, complete with fancy machines like the stairs, eliptical, and treadmill. Said machines do nothing for me except make me depressed and self conscience. I can't handle the idea of running without actually going anywhere or walking up an endless set of stairs. I think the flat screen TV in front of me is suppossed to distract my mind from the actual pain I'm experiencing; well, that doesn't work.

The search still continues for the regular work out routine, but on the rare occasion that all the variables allow me, I have an unusual activity: running in the rain. In my hometown, it really means it when it rains - serious downpours. Today, I was sitting in my room when I noticed it was beginning to pour. An excited grin crossed my face, and I sprinted to don my running clothes and shoes. Once I was ready, I acknowledged that I was insane and set off to get drenched.

Conveniently, the neighborhood across the street has a lake which is surrounded with tall trees and a winding path. Once I made it there, I was alone, finally able to escape the strange looks. There is a part of the land that extends into the middle of the lake like a mini-peninsula. I made my way there, stood at the edge, with the lake all around me with the rain seriously running down my face, clothes, collecting in my shoes. The only thought in my mind was grace like rain. Todd Agnew, a K-Love favorite and Memphis native, wrote a new version of "Amazing Grace" by adding a catchy chorus and a new rhythm. I couldn't help but acknowledge that he was right to compare the two. His chorus says, "And hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me. And hallelujah, and all my stains are washed away -they're washed away..." Drenched, soaked to the core, looking out at His beautiful creation, I thanked God for his grace.

I'm studying Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster with a few girls this summer. In the chapter on the discipline of study, Foster encourages us to learn from nature, not merely from theology books. I feel the Lord's grace pour over me when I run in the rain. Go ahead, get soaked in his grace.