Re-thinking

In my last  post, I pondered what good my running could do for the world around me. Tonight, I realized something that I hadn't thought of before: running has intertwined my life with so many others'. From opponents to teammates, coaches to spectators, I've encountered more people than I can count.

Most importantly to me, though, running has provided the context through which I've made some of the best friends thus far in my life. Even if I'm not still close with some of them, these people have made my life greater in some way. 

Freshman year of high school, cross country introduced me to an incredible group of ladies. I'd name some of them, but I'm afraid I'd leave someone out. We had so many laughs, seemingly endless talks, effective runs and some non-effective runs, and we made some of my favorite memories. Throughout the next three years, this group evolved into something completely different and special in its own way. I've already mentioned The White Gazelle and Molly in previous posts, but there are definitely others I would add to this list. I also made friends with a college student and former Pirate, but our friendship turned out to be seasonal, as many do. Over the years, we've completely lost touch. It happens.

I can't forget the guys' team. Our Pirate men consisted of some of the greatest, and weirdest guys I've ever met. Talk about character!

Then college brought me to a new stage in life, with a new team and new friendships. Many of those friendships seem to have been seasonal as well--except for one. There's nothing like a spontaneous run in the middle of a cold, dark night with a great friend.

Maybe God didn't give me this talent just to inspire others. Maybe He did so hoping I would take the opportunities I have in order to form the relationships I have, and hopefully do something inspiring within them. If I can find no other blessing in my running, at least I can say it has provided me with opportunities to form some of the richest relationships I have. And I hope there are more to come.

I may still want to believe that God made me a "talented runner" and not just a "runner," but at least for now I'm satisfied with my conclusion.