Change

Tomorrow's sermon is about change. I will be talking about computer technology and reminding folks about the fast changes we have already experienced and then point to some of the possibilities of the future. While doing this we will be considering what do some of these changes imply for people of faith and how do we find our center in a time of constant change?

During my long run today I started out too fast. I was feeling good, and what I didn't know the wind was at my back and then I turned around and faced that wind and I knew I was in trouble. Making use of my technological marvel that little Garmin 305 on my wrist I checked my heart rate, 177. Way too close to my max of about 184. I slowed the pace down, walked a few times when I hit 170 and drug myself home for an 8.5 mile run.

When the pace is too fast we have to have ways to slow down. While we cannot control all the changes happening around us we can choose how to live in the midst of all that change. With the exception of my technological toy, running is one refuge from the changes of the world.

I bought a new pair of shoes this week. I amused myself by realizing just how long I have been buying essentially the same running shoe. My standard shoe when I was running in high school was the Nike Pegasus. It is still my default shoe. When in doubt I know that shoe fits and meets my needs. So I told the salesman that usually I start with that shoe and he moved me to an Adidas. Adidas? I know, but it was the most comfortable of the three he brought out. I happened to notice a women running on the sidewalk outside the store with a pair of those about an hour before. (I wonder if the store is getting a good mark up on those?) I didn't mind too much as I want to support my little local running store. I will use them for my short runs next week and see how it goes.

See change. I can change types of shoe, but while the shoes are slightly different, the running is becoming familiar. The steady pace, the thrill of allowing the legs to go on a short downhill, the fantastic feeling for the rest of the day knowing my body has been working hard. All that is familiar and they are welcome feelings. I can even let go to some degree the fact that my pace is about a minute a mile slower than it was 10 years ago. (so far that is, I may yet see a seven minute mile pace.)

OK, time to get to the finishing touches on the sermon.