Lessons Learned on the Road - Don't Stop Breathing

Are you enjoying this new Tuesday series, as much as I am? Each lesson builds our strength and endurance for our unique run of life. Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Does God listen to his cry  when distress comes upon him? 

¹⁰ 

Will he find delight in the Almighty? 

    Will he call upon God at all times?

Job 27:9-10

One of the keys to successful long distance running is maintaining an even pace. Ideally miles 1 and 26 of a marathon are covered in the same amount of time. For me I have no chance of maintaining a steady pace if I don't achieve even breathing. 

We've all experienced the consequence of unlevel breathing - that sudden, stabbing pain in our side. In fact I know why people refer to it as a "stitch" because it feels like you're being impaled with knitting needles. Three things bring relief:

1. Slow My Pace - Even though a consistent gait is important, I must slow down when my breath is out of control. Those moments of rest recharge me for the miles to come.

2. Remind Myself to Breathe - Sometimes I just stop breathing well. I must consciously remember the importance of oxygen to my body. That brief reminder recalibrates me to the task at hand.

3. Take My Mind Off the Pain - Some pain doesn't cease even with the first two steps. My only recourse left is to let my mind go to another place. With less focus on my hurt and more focus on other things, my body returns to a place of normalcy.

In my life run, I also can't forget the importance of breathing. Prayer is breath to our spiritual well-being. When it gets shallow the road of life begins to stab at us. But when I slow my pace, I have time to pray. When I remind myself to breathe, I remember to pray. When I pray, I take my mind off the pain.

Is your life out of control today? Why not slow down, remind yourself to pray and take your mind off the pain?