Opportunity In Action

Thanks for reading DAY 20 of the Run & Not Grow Weary blog series.
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Ennui

I used to be a big Word Of The Day fan. A friend of mine would always try to casually use the Merriam-Webster WOTD in a sentence. One day that word was ‘Ennui’ (sounds like “on wee”). Can’t drop that word in a conversation without raising eyebrows.

Ennui means a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or interest.
It’s a specific kind of boredom and dissatisfaction that comes from having things too easy. Nothing ever really challenging you, forcing you to grow, or creating that opportunity for true self-discovery. We can pretend all we want that the struggle to “keep up with the Jones’s” (i.e. maintain the appearance of affluent living in America) “is real”, but under the surface we sense that we’re capable of a more meaningful existence. We are more than collectors of expensive toys and wearers of fancy clothes. We ache to discover our true potential.

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Taking Action

When I have a new running client tell me they want to really train for a race and see what they’re “capable of”, they’re talking about more than physical potential.

Running is one way to take action against ennui. Running is a way to create opportunity to do something difficult and therefore, learn a little more about who you are and what you’re capable of. Running can help us make the most of our short lives, with microcosmic lessons on patience, courage, endurance, suffering, failure, etc.

The Bible reminds us to be wise about how we spend our life. The warning of the “evil day” reminds me how easily I can find myself sliding into a comfort coma in my faith, instead of chasing God’s dreams for me.

On your next run, consider how you’re doing that. Consider how running keeps you passionate about your life and what God is doing in you and through you. May we never settle for anything less than God.

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