These legs..

I have these two legs. They run up the stairs, taking them two at a time. They run down the street, pounding on the pavement, moving me through my neighborhood. They carry me in and out of places, often also bearing the weight of my children and bags of groceries. They tire, getting sore and stiff, and yet they go onward every day with their task of movement.

Today I've been marveling at the wonder of these legs. I have been thinking about how thankful I am of them - that I can zip through my house with ease and speed, all because my legs are willing. I think of the little attention they get, the very little amount of affection poured on them, the amount of what I require of them every day, all the time, tired or not, sore or not. I whip them over the bed in the morning, counting on them to support and sustain my weight without asking them if they're up for the challenge. I have begun thinking: do I march through life like a strong pair of legs? Do I move onward, whether or not my soul, my heart, my mind are sore and heavy? Do I run, not walk, through the tasks given to me, capable, strong, and willing?

I think I fail at this. I think I complain too much. I think I need to be encouraged, coddled, soothed too much. I complain if I'm not given enough accolades, that I need more encouragement. Yet, my attitude should be more like a pair of strong legs:

A week ago, after three weeks of not running, I went out for a run. I knew I'd be sore, I knew it would be a struggle, me being the owner of these legs. I knew my legs would be tired the next day, maybe I would even limp, yet I had faith in them. I knew they could do it. And, if they got too tired to keep going, being the owner, I would see their over-exertion and give them a break. But I also wanted to test them, to show them how capable they were to run this race.

I think it's this way with God. I am the legs, he is the owner. How often does he take me out for a run, and I balk, resist, present my reasons for a lighter load? Do I ever run willingly, knowing it will be tough, but also know that he is able to sustain me? That he will lay me down by cool waters if I need a rest? Knowing that he who is giving me this test, also knows the outcome: that the test is perfect for my ability, today, and that it will stretch me, but that it is perfectly matched with my ability? That he has prepared me for this race, even before I thought of running it?

I want to be a cheerful pair of legs, taking God's tasks two steps at a time. I want to whip myself out of bed, tired, but utterly willing for the day's challenges.

Bring it on, race. Bring it on, children to be carried, steps to be climbed, balls to be kicked. I will be a willing, cheerful participant and I will carry you. I will be a set of legs for you, God. Grow me to be strong, toned, and lean with the endurance needed for this race.