Apparently, “Bog snorkeling is
a sporting event that consists of competitors completing two consecutive
lengths of a water-filled trench cut through a peat bog in the shortest time possible.”
I can actually see the attraction. Sometimes it’s pretty fun
getting wet and muddy and splashing the competition out of the water. But seriously, is this what I’m made for, is that my destiny,
is it yours? Literally getting bogged
down by sticky ooze dragging you deeper and deeper. Not me.
My favourite book of all time is A Pilgrim’s Progress, and I’ve
been reading it again over the last few days (well, the children’s version with
pictures!). At one point on his Journey, Christian gets swallowed up in the
Great Bog Misery. Here’s the conversation he has with Faithful, the friend who
pulls him out.
Faithful: “Why didn’t you use the steps? (calmly hauling
Christian out the bog by the collar of his coat)
Christian: “I was running so fast, I never…. What steps?”
Faithful: “There are patches of safe ground – like stepping
stones – right across the Bog. Don’t you have a guide book? There’s a map in
there.”
Sometime during my sign-missing, map-forgetting glorious 1066
Country ‘Walk’ run last week I remembered a bible verse about paths and things.
I read it again today. To be fair, I added the ‘bog-free’, but the sign and map bit is all God.
How can a young person live a clean, bog-free life?
By
carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t
let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
Psalm 119 verse 9
I can’t wait to run again tomorrow - 1066 Country
Trail part B here I come. As ever, I’ll be running, believing in freedom from mud
and dirt and sticky bogs.
Oh, one last thought. On his journey of a
lifetime towards the City Of Gold, Christian meets an extraordinary cast of
characters. Together with Hopeful, his steadfast companion, he survives
snipers, mantraps, the Great Bog, Vanity Fair, Lucre Hill and Doubting Castle.
The best bit about this for me is Hopeful, his
steadfast companion. I want to be like Hopeful, the best and most steadfast
companion I can be.
Come and run with me, it might just change your
life. J
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