A few days ago I had a great conversation with one of my friends and fellow runners. We talked about WHY we run (purpose). I have had many people ask me all the time about WHY I run. "WHY?" is a good question. WHY and purpose are really linked together. "Purpose," according to Merriam-Webster, means "something set up as an object or end to be attained; intention; resolution; determination." I can tell you this: my main WHY (purpose) is found in Colossians 3:17, which says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Everything I say and do is to give the Lord glory, praise, and thanksgiving. I also have other WHYs (purposes) when I run. I run because I enjoy it. I run because I have the ability and the opportunity to run. I run for people, people who cannot run or people who have passed away, keeping their memories close to my heart. However, all of my smaller WHYs (purposes) fall under my main WHY (purpose). Our smaller WHYs (purposes) can be good; they can change; they can even be finalized or continuously set before us. However, until I take my final gasp of air in this life, my main WHY (purpose) will never change and will never be fully finalized on this side of eternity...and that is OK and good. I will keep striving to give the Lord glory, praise, and thanksgiving in my running and in my everything else. I know WHO I am and WHOSE I am and WHY I am, and that gives me hope and strength! Over the next 143 days, I will be training to run in the 2023 New York City Marathon. My main WHY (purpose) is Colossians 3:17, with many other WHYs (purposes) nestled underneath...I am running to raise money for my charity, TEAM FOR KIDS...I am running for people on my heart and mind...and I am running to fulfill a dream. Whatever you are doing, whatever you plan to do...keep your WHYs (purposes) in front of you and keep them in the right order...and go do it!
