To Run With a Purpose

My favorite movie of all time is Chariots of Fire. And, seeing as how the floor can get pretty quiet and lonely- as it was today, I decided to put on a movie while doing work. One of the reasons that I like this movie so much is that it's a really good reminder of how we should be living our lives. I think my favorite quote from the movie is when Eric is explaining to his sister Jenny why he's choosing to spend so much time training. He says, 

"I believe that God made me for a purpose- for China, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give that up would be to hold Him in contempt. You were right, it’s not just fun. To win is to honor Him." 

It's a good reminder to keep running the race even when things get tough. To know that God has a plan and to go wherever He leads us. To remember our main purpose on earth - to glorify God. The world does need "muscular Christians" as it's termed in the movie. People who are willing to stick to their beliefs - calm and respectful, but nevertheless unwavering. People who don't compromise their beliefs for convenience or popularity's sake. Individuals who are willing to step out in faith and make a difference. People who are willing to take the talents that God has given them to make an impact. Those who excel so that the world does stand back and notice. But humble individuals who don't seek the attention that the world craves. Christians who use their accomplishments not as a means for building up their ego, but rather as a way to point to Christ and say, "Look at what He has done in my life!" 

In the midst of everything, let's not forget about enjoying that relationship with Christ. How wonderful it is that we have a direct, personal relationship with the God of the universe! And how awesome is it that when our hearts are in tune with His, we can really enjoy every moment that we live here on earth secure in His arms? That we might run each day for His honor and His glory- and to feel His pleasure! 

"... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." 

-- Hebrews 12: 1-2

A Little Reminder

I live in a corner room that looks out over the Charles. One of my favorite things in the world is sunrises. And from my room, if I wake up in time, I can see the sun lighting up the sky behind the Boston skyline until everything gets brighter and the first rays of light burst out from behind the buildings. There's nothing quite like waking up and seeing the sun rise until sunlight streams into my room. Anyway, this morning I didn't wake up in time to see the sun rise, but I did get to see birds flying by and landing in the branches of a tree that's outside my window. And for a brief moment, I thought to myself that life must be so much simpler for those little birds. No stress about exams, grades, grad schools. But then a verse popped into my head. I thought it was a good reminder for me, so I decided to share it here:

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" -Matt 6:26

Reading the rest of the passage was really good too. Fittingly, it's titled The Cure for Anxiety. I could definitely use some of that around here right about now.