Running Club

Saturday mornings are usually reserved for sleeping in, as they are the only mornings out of the week that my schedule allows for it. This morning, however, would be different. I got myself out of bed and across town to join a few members of our church for the inaugural meeting of the new running club. There were only a handful of us, but we are hoping our enthusiasm will spread to other members who are teetering on the edge of whether or not to join us. It was a fun time this morning as we ran about a mile-and-a-half, then sat down for a cup of coffee at the Mill.

If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be interested, passionate even, about running, I would have laughed at you, called you silly, and moved on. Thus, I found myself in one of those surreal states this morning as I trotted alongside some of who I consider Lincoln's top runners. The pastor of our church, who just ran the Boston Marathon, ran alongside me. Our club coordinator, who just ran the Lincoln Marathon, was with us as well. I kept asking myself if this group was where I really belonged in these early stages of learning the sport of running. I was a bit nervous as I drove across town, as I wondered just how I would fare alongside these more experienced runners. I'm glad I didn't allow my nervousness to stop me. Our time together was an incredible experience, and I have a good feeling I'm going to learn lots in the days and weeks ahead as I set my sites on next year's Lincoln Marathon.

This morning's fellowship taught me several things, but two lessons in particular stand out the most. First, every runner, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. I'm no different, and I was relieved to learn the pastor and the coordinator used to be in the same boat as I currently am. Second, I was thankful to learn that my running experience thus far is paying off, as it was not difficult to keep pace with the group. Granted, it was a slower pace and not that far, but it's still progress for me. Six months ago, I couldn't have done what I did this morning.

And so I go from here, excited to be seriously running for the first time in my life, excited to have goals and aspirations, and excited to be tweaking and toning the overall health of my body.

Peace.

United Methodist General Conference

You may or may not be aware that my religious background was cultivated in the United Methodist Church. My Grandfather was a Methodist pastor, my Grandmother spent years as an organist, teacher, and music director in the church, and I was in turn raised in the Methodist church. Even though I no longer attend a UM church, I try to keep up-to-speed on all the latest.

This year, the United Methodist General Conference convened, as it does every four years. I have been following it through Jeff's blog, and his post from earlier today was of particular interest to me. The conference debated the never-ending homosexuality issue, and the results of that debate and subsequent vote, are...um.......honestly, I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings. Interesting is the first adjective that tempts me, but it doesn't seem adequate.

Tell ya what. I'll just let you read what I have read today, and you can form your own thoughts, opinions, and insight. I'd love to hear what you think, either by commenting on my blog, via email, or in person. Let's generate some good discussion. What'dya say?

Here's Jeff's post, entitled "General Conference - The Sexuality Issue." In Jeff's post, you'll find another link to a blog which summarizes the entire day of debate on this issue. Happy reading, and I can't wait to hear from you.