Keep in step all the time

One of the blessings of the recent holiday was an opportunity to get some extra exercise in. Guilt over all the extra food eaten during the Christmas festivities was probably as much as incentive as anything else! Still, it was really nice to jog in the light - I normally run after work so it's dark most days.

After a few longer runs during the holiday, and with the return to work looming, I decided Monday was right for a good long run so set on on a 12-miler. I set off down the A127, a bit boring and not the most scenic but with the advantage of having a target point six miles out - the Halfway House roundabout. I've done that route a few times. the only problem with it is that to get around the roundabout you have to run up the slip road, which is really steep. On the last run I really struggled up the hill and decided to take a breather and walk it. As soon as I stopped, fatigue set in and I had to walk the 6 miles home again!

So this week I gritted my teeth and kept going. I can't honestly say the homeward 6 miles was easy but there was a real sense of achievement in getting through the touch bit and knowing that the rest of the run was all in the direction of home.

As I jogged up the hill I realised there was an old Army song playing silently in my head:

Keep in step all the time,
Keep in step all the time;
Don't fall out and rest for a while,

Follow Jesus all the way, and smile

On the homeward leg I found myself thinking of some of the folks that I once worshipped with who no longer do. Most of them didn't decide to leave the church, they simply took a temporary break. They stepped out of the band or came out of uniform (just for a while, of course) - but sadly never really made it back again.

Getting safely home (without stopping) in about 1 hour 45 was a great feeling. Tired, yes, but with a real sense of achievement.

I don't know what this year ahead will hold. Joys, definitely; but challenges too, I suppose. Whatever comes, keeping going is a big part of the challenge. Getting over the obstacles might be hard work, but I'm sure the end result will be worth it.