Dear Friends,
Some of you may know that I am an avid runner – well, I used to be. As can happen when making a big life change (as in an exciting new job, for example), a few things can fall by the wayside. Running in the evenings was one of those for me. As I began my ministry at Northwest last year, my advisory committee (known as the Committee on Ministry) wisely and regularly nudged me about my own physical self-care. While I managed to do some things well, my running shoes sat ignored on my closet shelf for almost 12 months.
My summer vacation, however, presented a wonderful opportunity to change that and get reconnected with my passion for running. The gym at Emory University has an indoor track, is located a mile from my house and offers a very reasonable membership rate to alumni. So, with time and money excuses pretty much eliminated, I renewed my commitment to the gym at the end of July and have started running again in the evenings three times a week.
The first few weeks at the Emory track, I have been running laps and walking in-between. I have gradually been walking less and running more. While I run around in circles, I’m enjoying peering over the rails to watch Emory students play a pick-up game of basketball on the courts below. I admire the athleticism of the track team members who blow by me on the track, talking to one another easily without a hint of breathlessness. Most of all, I’m grateful for my willingness to start my running routine again . . . and that I’m starting to recover my physical fitness.
As I continue to run laps at night with other runners blazing past me and students playing ball below me, I realize this decision to run again is not about gaining speed or distance (although that’s happening). It’s about keeping the promise to take care of my body so that my body can take care of my spirit.
This isn’t something they taught us in seminary, but I’m finding it to be true in my personal experience. Running laps isn’t only giving me more energy, it’s giving me more hope. I feel invigorated and happy after an hour at the gym . . . and more ready to meet the demands of a position that I love.
Making physical self-care a priority isn’t just my concern . . . it’s one that’s growing among my colleagues. The Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, in fact, will be piloting a comprehensive health and wellness program later this year, as physical fitness is in decline among UU ministers (something that can have negative consequences for ministries as well as ministers!).
So, dear running shoes – I’ve missed you! It’s good to be back on track with a passion that takes care of my body and spirit . . . and I look forward to sharing a healthier me with all of you.
Warmly,
Terry
Rev. Terry Davis