Unlearning Independence: Learning the Value of Neediness, Part 3

This is the third and final portion of the chapter, “Unlearning Independence; Learning the Value of Neediness.” Parts one and two can be found HERE and HERE.

The Intimacy We’ve Always Wanted

            The first time I got Covid-19, the worst symptom for me was severe joint pain. Losing my sense of smell was bizarre more than uncomfortable. After Covid passed, the joint pain went with it and I was able to resume running. The second time I got Covid, the joint pain in my knees stayed even after the disease had left. After decades of cherished distance running, it was difficult to go more than three miles without setting myself up for pain throughout the rest of the day.

            For stress, weight management, mental refreshment and often spiritual insight, running has been a mainstay in my life. The thought of losing it (which remains an active possibility as I write this) is terrible to contemplate but now I’ve learned that my need to maintain a sweet, surrendered spirit before God is more important than my need to run. If not being able to run makes me bitter at God or less than grateful for the spiritual riches I enjoy, the blessing of my past running will become a curse. I need the presence and favor of God more than I need to run.

Continue reading over on Substack, HERE.

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