As much as I have a desire to finish a triathlon, which to me would prove my ability to overcome my fear of water nothing will replace running.
Running for me is so much more than fitness. It is a chance for me to connect with nature, people and God – which all three are very much connected. When I am out on the trail I often look for signs of God. Some are generic while others seem to speak to me personally.
On this hot humid day in Minnesota I again experienced God while on my 10+ mile run.
While getting in the zone, I noticed a hawk perched on a dead tree. Not thinking too much about it except simply wondering why this hawk would choose this tree with so many other healthy trees around full of vegetation.
As I continued I looked up and saw a hawk, can’t say it was the same one, circling directly above me.
Again, as I continued I had a third encounter with a hawk. This time it was again on a dead tree, not the same one. All of this took place in less than one mile.
So my reflection on all of this comes down to God. As there are countless verses in the bible about the poor needing God, the broken needing God, the sick needing God, and on and on – we all need God- these trees represented that. God is happy to be perched on the shoulders of the most dead people around. When he is not perched on their shoulders he continues to be there circling around waiting for us to call out to him. Only to return to our brokenness, perched upon our shoulders.
God is happy to be perched upon the broken, desiring their love, faith, and commitment. Like the hawk who is happy to be perched on the dead tree. Are you like the dead tree? Have you allowed God to stand watch over your soul?
What the Tri am I Doing? 