I’m a runner. I’ve been one since sophomore year of college. If I add it up, it’s more years than I can believe.
It’s been a huge part of my identity since the day I asked my friend Jim, who was stretching on the TV lounge floor, if I could go running with him. We went out that day, running around the campus at good ole Oswego State. I’ve been running regularly since that day. To say it changed my life is quite true. Both my Dad and brother had heart issues and I didn’t want that. I’ve managed to stay pretty healthy since that day.
Now we all get older (if we’re lucky). Fortunately, I’m no exception. I had always strived to be that seventy-year-old guy running 10K’s as father time approached. I’m getting close.
But you know, the body has been talking to me a lot more over the past few years.
· “Hey, what’s with the knee pain?”
· “How do you pull a groin muscle by running so slowly on a treadmill?”
· “Why does my back hurt after washing my hair?”
Father Time has been after me for a few years now. It seems like every year I’m wondering if this will be my last year running.
I was lamenting this fact the other day as I drove to an appointment on the other side of town.
“Why does my calf keep knotting up? Will that knee pain ever go away? I just want to run. It’s not too much to ask, is it?”
As I pulled into the parking lot, I happened to see a woman pushing a young man in a wheelchair. He was strapped in and had every gadget available to him in the wheelchair. They were out for a walk around the facility. It’s pretty clear to see that he’s not able to do much on his own. I said a quick prayer, asking God to not only pray for him but to bless the woman as I can’t imagine how much work is involved in taking care of him.
I pull into my parking place and shut off my car. I sat quietly for a moment. I soon realized that I really have nothing to complain about.
So now, when I want to complain about my aches or knee pain, I think back to that young man and remind myself to be thankful for all I can do.
So true and generous to share this! It's so easy to complain and hard to remember to say thank you. Hope your knee gets better too!