Purpose Built

Yesterday, in preparation for my 50K Tsali Frosty Foot Trail race Saturday, I decided to invest in a pair of Inov-8 Trail running shoes. As I have learned, you NEVER wear brand new shoes during a marathon, let alone an ultra. So today I took 'em out on the Mountains to Sea Trail to begin the break in process. I've never owned a pair of trail-specific shoes; purpose built by the manufacturer to more aptly handle the roots, rocks, and ruts one encounters on trails. I've just worn road running shoes - which are designed for flat, smooth surfaces. The difference was incredible. These shoes handled every obstacle - including a large, ice-covered tree which had fallen across the path. The shoe actually gripped the undulating surface; when you run through water and the shoe gets soaked, it creates a pumping action that expels the water from the shoe allowing it to dry quickly. And as I'm running, I'm thinking about how much easier and more enjoyable the run is in these shoes, which were designed specifically for this purpose.....no different than when we choose to live our lives in accordance with His Purpose. You see, we too were designed specifically for a purpose. Our Manufacturer put deep thought into our make-up as well. He recognized that life would not be a flat and smooth - that it would be a challenging course filled with obstacles and ravines, ups and downs. We were never promised an easy course, but we were given the tools, the gifts, and the handbook to help us navigate the road ahead. When I'm intentionally living my life in alignment with His plan, it's as if I've got these new Inov-8's on....and it's like, "bring on the rocks, roots, and ruts of life!" I'll deal with whatever comes my way, recognizing that these challenges will further refine and define me - just as the ups and downs of a trail refine and define the muscles in my legs. Things get significantly harder and life's course is far more challenging when we lose the purpose-driven focus. So stay the course, Keep the Faith, and relish in the knowledge that we were Purpose Built by a Creator who loves us more than we can fathom. PHIL 4:13