Endure to the end

I think God must have a special place in his heart for runners.  Or at least he thinks they need a bit of special instruction, because the Good Book is full of running analogies.  The one that has been on my mind lately is the instruction to "Endure to the end." (See, good running advice, don't you think?).  I want to pass on what I have learned from running about enduring to the end.

First, it doesn't say anything about comparing yourself to others, and how well they endure. You only have  to beat your own beat time to improve. This is a personal battle, and all we are expected to do is endure to the best of our abilities. Fair, don't you think, that we will only be compared to our own best when being checked for endurance.  

Second, the length of required endurance is different for everyone.  Some have to endure a short time, while others have to endure a bit longer.  Doesn't matter, we all get the same post-race rewards if we have done what we signed up to do.

Third, it is more fun to endure joyfully than grudgingly.  Some days are a drag, I know, but if we decide to enjoy things, even when it gets hard, we will be better off.  Don't forget to look around and enjoy the beauty of life or the little joys along the way. When you decide it is fun rather than just hard work, and hard stuff is easier to endure.

Fourth, when we don't endure all that we could've and should've, we will be disappointed in ourselves.  Don't sell yourself short and don't quit. 

Lastly, it is more fun to endure if you take someone along for company.  We are often alone, but if we can have a good friend at our side, the miles will go by faster and before we know it, we are done, enduring more than we could have on our own.
So whether it is a long run or a long day, endure joyfully.  You will be glad you did.