As I stumbled out of bed this morning, I didn't want to get up. Oh it would have been easy to tuck the pillow against my face to keep the light out and roll over. Boy that would have been nice! But I didn't. My New Years Resolution still fully in tact, I got up and prepared for my morning run.
My attire was laid out the night before so I could fumble, struggle and cry, but still manage to get dressed. There they were... Nike shorts, Nike shirt, Nike socks and of course... Nike shoes. Everything was ready to go. So I got dressed and headed for the door.
After normal stretching, walking & warming up I was off. Running like the wind! Or more like slowly trotting like an injured donkey! After a short distance I was tired, my legs ached and I wanted to stop. It was at this moment that I had a revelation...
Running is the ultimate NO POSERS sport!
You can't fake it running. There is no hiding your lack of endurance or lack of muscle, lack of oxygen, lack of stamina. It is all out there and it can't be kept in. In your exhaustion, in your wheezing, in your puking, the truth will be found out!
Running isn't like other sports. Golf comes to mind. To me, golf was made for posers! I'm one of them. I always LOOK good with my perfectly coordinating hat/shirt/shorts/socks/shoes. (Fashion Tip: Coordinating includes the brand. You can't wear a Nike shirt with Adidas shorts). As I stroll through the clubhouse or walk on the putting green I FEEL like a golfer. That's where the majority of people see you so they THINK you are a golfer too. Most of those people will never actually see me hit a club, so I can keep the poser game up for a long time. And the ones that actually see the truth, there are plenty of stall tactics for them; the clubs, the weather, my wrist, my back, and the course itself (ah, this place is a goat track!).
How about other places in our lives? Are you a poser? When? Where?
Sure, everything looks great on the outside, but what is REALLY going on under the surface? In Matthew 10:26, it says, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known."
My lack of golf skills, by the way, is widely known among my friends. Posers only last so long, even in golf.
Father, remove the false fronts in my life caused by my pride and selfishness. Strip away everything that does not reflect Your true character. May You become so much more in my life today. Amen.
