Find A Rhythm

Find a Rhythm

After runners hit their stride in a long race, they try to find a comfortable running rhythm and maintain that pace for several miles.

Say, for example, someone knows he can run consistently and steadily at a nine-minute-per-mile pace. If he were able to do that for the full 26.2 miles, he would have a time just under four hours—a goal for many marathoners. To reach that goal, then, his strategy should be to run the first five miles at about ten minutes per mile. Then, in picking up the pace and finding his rhythm, he should try to run the next ten miles or so at about eight and a half minutes per mile. If he is able to do this, at the end of fifteen miles, he will have spent two hours and fifteen minutes. So to reach that four-hour goal, he would have to run the last 11.2 miles in under one hour and forty-five minutes, averaging 9.37 minutes per mile—very doable. And if he’s feeling good—and the weather cooperates—he may be able to do even better.

The key to making this work is to find that running sweet spot or groove, where running seems almost effortless and the miles roll by. To get to this place, to be able to find a good running rhythm, the runner must have:

put in the miles to get in shape;

developed an efficient, fluid running style;

geared up right, especially the shoes;

started off slowly, saving the physical reserves;

and taken fluids early for the body to use later—all points we have covered in previous weeks.

In life, this feels much like those middle, productive years, when we are able to use most effectively our talents and abilities for the Kingdom. Paul told the church in Ephesus, “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

Paul had just discussed the role of spiritual gifts in the church, explaining how all the members of the body of Christ work together. (We touched on this in Week 7.) When they begin to hit their stride, they “continue” working together in unity.

The Runner

Now almost thirty, Emma’s walk with Christ began in high school when she went with a friend to an event put on by Campus Life, a Christian group with the reputation of being crazy fun. She enjoyed herself, met some new kids, and even put up with the short talk at the end about Jesus. Emma became a regular to the group, and a few months later, she gave her life to Christ.

Emma’s life began to change as she got into a small-group Bible study and connected with a church. After high school, Emma continued to grow in her faith in college, where she became a leader in InterVarsity. And that’s where she met Dan. Today, seven years into their marriage and with two small children, Emma and Dan are serious about their faith, especially about being Christian parents. They love their church, but between work and the kids, they haven’t plugged in anywhere except for a small group of other young couples.

That began to change for Emma one Sunday after listening to a sermon on Ephesians 4. Looking back on her spiritual history, Emma realized that she had been a recipient of so much from God through his people—Campus Life and InterVarsity staff, Christian friends, teachers, pastors, small-group leaders—but she hadn’t done much. Even though she was busy as a mom, Emma felt she had to start giving back, using her gifts in the church and community. So she began by signing up to teach Sunday school. She also began attending a women’s Bible study, where she became a small-group leader. She knows that’s just a start and is looking for more opportunities to serve.

The Race

Emma has been prepared and has warmed up, and now she’s starting slow. But soon she’ll pick up the pace, find her “running rhythm,” and, God willing, actively use her gifts until she’s limited by health or other circumstances.

That’s the way the church is supposed to work—believers using their gifts and working together. When this happens, Paul says:

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:14-16)

That sounds like a whole church finding a rhythm.

The Result

As with runners, no two Christians are identical—each one is a unique blend of physical, personality, and emotional traits and special talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. And we’re all at a different place in life’s race—some just beginning and others nearing the finish. That’s why we need each other and to serve together, each person being a good servant (like the ones we looked at last week) investing gifts for the Master. And along the route we’ll “strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees” (Isaiah 35:3).

My Story

I’m not sure I have ever experienced the “runner’s high”—a feeling of euphoria, a result of the body releasing endorphins during strenuous activity. I guess the closest I came was during my second marathon. My first marathon was extremely tough and totally different . . . but that’s another story.

In this one, the weather was great—thirty-seven degrees at the start, with a slight breeze to our backs. I began with a friend, and we ran slowly at the start, not getting caught up in the excitement or worrying about anyone passing us. After five miles or so, I felt strong and increased my speed. My pace, however, was too fast for my buddy, who began to struggle and encouraged me to go on, so I did. And that’s when I seemed to find my rhythm, where I felt as if I could run forever (I know that’s impossible, but bear with me here).

I’ve heard basketball players talk about being “in the zone” when they can’t miss and other athletes being “in the groove,” and that’s what I compare my “runner’s high” to. I just know that I was able to keep that pace for about ten miles, and I set my personal record (and it still is).

I find that pattern in other areas of life--working, playing, and especially serving. I’ve learned that I need to take advantage of those times when conditions are right and I have energy, strength, and other resources and can make a difference. God expects me to use my gifts for his glory, and right now I’m in the groove.

Frank

Think It Through

1. In a long run, when do you feel your best, as if you could run forever? How did you discover your running rhythm?

2. How have you been prepared for ministry? What have you done to “warm up” and “start slow”?

3. What special talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts do you bring to the body of Christ?

4. What can you do to find your rhythm in ministry?

On Running

What is flow, and why is it important?

Flow is a holistic sensation when people feel they are totally caught up in an activity, as if they are on automatic pilot. The essential elements of flow are complete absorption in the activity, a merging of action and awareness, a loss of self-consciousness, and a sense of control. The goals or rewards external to the activity aren’t relevant at this time, and it is an effortless moment. In order to sense flow, you need confidence, positive thinking, and a high level of motivation. Flow is important because it can help you to feel relaxed, control anxiety, and enjoy what you are doing. Basically, flow is finding your rhythm.