Lesson #15: Easy is not being alone

Easy doesn't mean less. Easy doesn't mean taking short-cuts. Easy doesn't mean doing it alone.

On Saturday, I had this new thought about the concept 'easy'. After a month off, I'm slowly getting back in shape with my endurance. As of Saturday, my two weeks back to running consisted of a 7-miler as my 'long run.' So on Saturday, I was hoping to make it 10 miles. After too much time away, I decided to join my running club for this hot, humid morning run. We all started off together on the route. Some were running 15 miles, some 12.5, and some 20. I was the lone soul thinking about doing 10. When we got to the 5 mile point, I had a decision to make. To turn around and do the last 5 by myself or to continue on with the fellow runner who was doing the 12.5 mile loop. Maybe out of stupidity, but mostly out of determination, I decided to do the 12.5 loop. The positives of this choice including having a bathroom stop and most importantly, a companion so I didn't have to run alone. It was this decision that made me realize the easier choice that day was the 12.5 miles instead of the 10. The longer distance was easier, which only makes sense because I had someone to endure it with me.

This thought has me reflecting on all the promises in God's word about how we don't have to endure alone. He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb.13:5). We can be strong and courageous for the Lord God is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9). When we go through the deep waters, He will be with us (Is.43:2).

I'm thankful once again that I never have to run through any of life's hardships and trials alone. God is a forever companion who never grows weary and who never slumbers. The times that I do try to handle something alone, without his help, are NEVER the easy times. It is only easy and bearable when I realize I need Him walking there right beside me because after all, His yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).