Would you rather be in the scorching heat without an air conditioner, or in the freezing cold without a heater? Most people I ask would rather be cold, but I would much rather be hot. Personally, it is easier for me to cool off than to warm up.
For example, when I go for a walk, I cannot wear a jacket. I get too hot, and I have to take off my jacket. Then I have to walk around with a jacket in my arms. It makes me more hot and less happy to be walking.
Today is among the first crispy cool days of the season. I decided to go for a run in sweat pants and a jacket. As soon as I began to run, I knew that I had made a mistake in my choice of clothes. I started to sweat, and my once comfy clothes became a burden that I did not want to carry. Instead of running as long as I usually do, I only ran around the block.
For me, wearing clothes that are too warm are a distraction for me as I run. For someone else, it could be the wrong choice of shoes that slows him down. For another, her long hair could be tossed around by the wind, blowing in her face and getting in her eyes.
We all have a reason for being on this earth, for this time in history, and for a specific purpose. However, we face many distractions in our lives that cause us to lose sight of what God really has for us. Fear, doubt, and love of money are just a few of the things that keep us from living to our true potential.
I could have just left my sweatshirt home today. Sure, I would have been freezing cold until my body made enough heat. But the tiny discomfort would have meant nothing when I ran as much as my body needed in order to be healthy. Next time, I will remember this day and know that I can run a lot farther when I do not have heavy clothes weighing me down.
What is holding you from running as fast and as far as you can? Take it off, and leave it home. It may be uncomfortable at first, but you can run without it.
Elisabeth Warner 