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"The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh."
(Proverbs 11:17)
During this week's devotionals, I will share some of my experiences from my first RunDisney event and offer some lessons we can apply to our lives. One important lesson of which I was reminded is contained in our biblical text for today's devotional. Here it is: It is okay to do good for your own soul and have some fun. Many times while in Orlando I found myself saying, "I am having so much fun." Now, you may highly question my definition of fun, because running almost 50 miles in no way sounds fun to you. That's fine, and I get that I am a bit eccentric when I say I enjoy running. But during this event, it was much more than just running that I enjoyed. I had a blast being with my good friends, playing golf after the 5K race, going to the Mecum Auction, and yes, running for four straight days in Disney World.
I ran what is called the Dopey Race, named after one of the characters in the Seven Dwarfs… and yes, you have to be a bit dopey or loony to do what I did! The race breakdown is a 5K, a 10K, a half-marathon, and then a full marathon in four days. (The Goofy Race is for those who run both the half and full marathons.) I flew into Orlando on Wednesday, and my friend and DFEA Board member, Rob Daniel, picked me up from the airport. We went, along with Darlene, Rob's wife, to the Expo at the ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex. I purchased many gels and other nutrition items to help me in the races. Oh, by the way, there were 26,000 people participating in these races! The Expo was electric as people were excited for the race to begin the next day.
I stayed at the home of Rob and Darlene Daniel, and they are such gracious and dear friends. I served as their pastor 20 years ago at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. Rob and I woke up around 3:00 a.m. each morning to leave about 4:00 a.m. to go to the races that began at 5:30 a.m., except for the marathon that began at 5:00 a.m. This was Rob's fifth Dopey Race. He has run over 25 marathons and many more half-marathons. And for those of you that think I am a bit crazy with all this exercise, Rob is 64 years young!
What do you enjoy doing? I am sure there is something that you like to do that is stress-free and just plain ol' fun. Whether it is rock climbing, shopping, going to a movie with friends, or watching your favorite sporting event, we all have something. I say, go for it and enjoy it. All work and no play makes for hard days and perhaps an early entry to one's grave. When you can unplug from your rigorous schedule and have some "you time", it will not only bless and benefit you, but it will also enable you to be the best person you can be. So, go ahead: chill out, or maybe go run the next RunDisney event with me!
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