Running for some people is a time to think and to process. For me, it’s more a time to shut down. I mindlessly listen to music or, if I’m feeling rather ambitious, I’ll listen to a podcast episode or audiobook. I don’t mind running the same route as long as it’s one I enjoy, especially on a pretty day.
One afternoon, I laced up my tennis shoes and headed out for a run. It was warm outside, but not too hot, and the afternoon sun was high and clear. Per usual, I headed down the same street I always run, lightly jogging to get started. An adorable neighborhood is on the right side of this street and a beautiful green meadow lines the left side.
I wasn’t picking up much speed since I’d just begun; instead, I was just cruising along on the left sidewalk, admiring the bright greens in the meadow. Just as I gazed down the sidewalk, a small brown bundle shot out from a patch of overgrowth into the street with such speed my eyes barely registered it. By the time I realized it was a bunny that had darted clear out in the street, it had long since disappeared into the overgrown ditch on the other side of the road, opposite me.
During this brief moment, my adrenaline had kicked in, but it wasn’t until a few seconds later that I realized it. After the clearing of the bunny, I felt a warm rush move through extremities and my heart sped up as it reacted to the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I kept moving forward to try to calm my nerves while also trying to steady my breathing a bit.
You see, the sudden movement that came from out of nowhere gave me quite a little jolt of fear. No matter that it was a bunny; it was still unexpected. And even after processing that the small, speedy motion was only a bunny, I still felt the after-effects of such a rush.
Obviously the bunny was harmless, but wow! It was making a move! And this bunny not only caught my attention, he startled me. The bunny must also have been watching for traffic because there wasn’t a car in sight when it made its dash to the other side.
Though this comparison might be a bit cliche, I think sometimes we need to be more like this bunny.
Occasionally it’s just good to make a change. If you have a longing for something on the other side of the road, and your longing is for something good, it’s ok to cross the road. Maybe you’re a quiet, bashful person who has a desire to make a rather grand leap. Bound away! If change hasn’t been your thing, but you’d like to mix things up, get to shakin’. You may not be one to keep people on their toes, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But if a little bit of change is going to give you an extra pep in your step, it’s worth pushing yourself. Remember, too, that sometimes you may just have to give yourself a shove one direction or another.
Now mind you, I don’t mean a dangerous, bad, or super risky move, nor do I mean one for which you’re unprepared. Again, consider the bunny. He didn’t run over and bite me nor did he live so dangerously he got hit by a car. Rash decisions should be cautioned. I’d go so far as to say, don’t make them. But there’s something to be said for being thoughtful, purpose-driven, well-prepared, and courageous. If you want to get to the other side, you must cross the road; just do so carefully and after having prepared beforehand.
We can become rather unhappy without even knowing it. I think it’s gradual a lot of the time, which is why it’s more difficult to sense. But try to take a step back and evaluate where you are. Are you content? And if not, is there something you can do about it? Be smart about the changes you make, but know it’s ok to have the courage to make some.
Most importantly, pray, seek God’s will, and ask for his guidance. Then, continually ask for patience in the meantime. If you’re walking daily with God and pursuing His will, He will make your paths straight.
In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6