Once every two weeks I do an early morning run from the downtown Asheville YMCA, arriving at 5:30 AM and timing my run so that by around 6 AM I'm running past both the day labor center and the homeless shelter (which, by the way, are directly across the street from one another). By 6AM there is a line of folks checking in and waiting for single day, by the hour job opportunities and not coincidentally, it's the same time folks who take temporary residence overnight at the homeless shelter are forced out into the streets. Some people may choose to avoid these places no matter the time of day, let alone first thing in the morning when darkness still has its way with the day. I purposely and intentionally ensure I'm there, albeit for just a few seconds, as a reminder of how blessed I am to have employment and a place to call home. It also serves to remind me just how fortunate I am to have my health - to be able to run. Many people view exercise (especially running!) as hard labor, something to be avoided at all costs. After all, as we were growing up, running was "punishment" for doing something wrong during practice for most sports. Too many of us heard those dreaded words "take a lap!". But if you change the way you look at things, even something most people view as distasteful - an early morning run - can become a celebration of sorts, a confirmation of life and recognition that we've got it pretty damn good. As I run by, I also make sure that I say good morning to folks as they spill out of the shelter to start their day..... because I know that this may be the only time all day that someone doesn't look away as they walk by. And I say a prayer thanking God for His blessings in my life and I ask Him to bring His healing grace and presence to the lives of those less fortunate. It's easy to get caught up in the "problems" of our own lives, but put into perspective during an early morning run against the backdrop of our city's homeless, those problems don't seem so significant anymore.
Keep the Faith!
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