“Spiritual disciplines” are things we do to stay in love with God and grow in faith. They can be things we do alone or together; they can be ways to spend time with God or to serve others. As the people of Sylva First UMC share one of their spiritual disciplines with you each week, we hope it will inspire you to new ways of loving God and growing in faith.
Hi, it’s Wendy LeMay. I grew up in Charlotte, but moved here in 1986. I have been a member of this church since 1995, when my sons were born.
Pastor Mary Brown has asked me to share what I am doing to stay close to God during these uncertain times. The answer is simple, I run. I go out twice a week, about 40-45 minutes and run around WCU campus. I spend about 5 minutes doing full body stretches and when I finish the run, I spend another 5 to 10 minutes doing legs stretches. What does this do for me?
First, It gives me time to think and reflect without distraction, because I can’t just look at my iPhone, answer a call or text. I can think about people or some problem I have. It’s a time to get in touch with myself and listen to that inner voice God has given me.
Secondly, running gives me a chance to look around at the physical world and be thankful for what I find….the wonder of clouds as they pass above, the trees, the sounds of birds, the wind. Each of these things and more are miracles, that I often take for granted. I am reminded of the wonders that God has created.
If you want to try this, it doesn’t have to be a run, it could be a walk or some other form of exercise that works for you. The main thing is to set aside some time for yourself.
