My group enables me to get my behiney out of bed and meet them for our 5 AM runs. Believe me, I wouldn't be getting up that early for me, myself and I. But knowing that people are waiting on me makes me do it.
My running group distracts me, in a good way. Running produces a lot of randoms pains here and there, from a side stitch to a muscle or foot ache. When I run by myself, it's hard to not fixate my mind on those pains and make them bigger and worse than they really are. Not so with my running group. My mind is able to focus on our conversations, which keeps the pain in check and out of the fore front of my mind.
My running group makes me a better runner. They push me in ways I would never push myself. They spur me on when I don't feel like it. I kind of don't have a choice--if I stop then I will have to run by myself. And most of the time I'm really not sure of the route or where we are exactly (since it's dark), so I'd probably get lost or end up running in circles. Besides that, I'm a big scaredy cat in the dark. Thinking that you can't stop on a run is good for the mind, because it's always looking for any excuse to give up. If the mind is tricked into believing there's no way out of running, it will stop trying to nag you into quitting.
My running group is eager to conquer an array of problems. Anything from parenting concerns to work issues, we got you. We're not even afraid to broach the political hot topics of the day. It's kind of like stepping into Lucy's Psychiatric Booth as we counsel one another through the ups and downs of life. It's much cheaper than therapy; the only downside is sometimes the one venting tends to run faster than normal. Of course, all of us Garmin wearing fools are more than happy to announce that we have ventured off pace!
On occasion one of us runners will injure ourselves. Left on our own, we are likely to talk ourselves into running on our injury. 'It's really not that bad,' we justify. This is when the group has to speak truth into the injured one's life. We remind her that she needs to stop running or she will have an even bigger problem to contend with. There have also been moments when we have to yell out 'Stop!' to one of our fellow runners when she attempts to cross an intersection and doesn't see an oncoming car. It's times like these when the group steps in and serves as a warning bell.
Lately, we have been increasing our miles as we are training for a half marathon this spring. I have been amazed that I have been able to do this. I suffered from plantar fasciitis for so long that I really thought my long distance running days were over. Every time I express my astonishment that I am able to finish one of our long runs, Terri (a fellow groupie) replies, 'It's the power of the group!'
The power of the group.
I've been thinking about this phrase a lot lately. There IS power in a group and it doesn't just apply to running. It applies to many different aspects of life, especially spiritually.
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that 'As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.' When iron blades are rubbed together, each becomes sharper and more effective. Just as the people in my running group challenge me to become a more effective runner, I need people in my life to challenge me to be a more effective Christian. I need someone to remind me of God's attributes and His promises when I'm having a difficult day. I need someone to give me God's perspective from His Word when I am tempted to get caught up in the world's perspective.
In the same way that my running group distracts me from the pain and negative thoughts in my head, I need people in my life who believe in me and will encouragingly cheer and spur me on when I'm tempted to be down and out.
Just as my running group serves as a warning bell when faced with injuries or dangerous situations, I sometimes need the people around me to step in and caution me in regards to life's trajectories. I need to be told to stop and consider a decision or choice I am about to make. I need someone to ask me hard questions, reminding me to slow down and critically think through a dilemma.
We only have to look as far as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 to understand why there is such power in a group:
'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.'
A group can pick us up or take over the load when we don't have the strength to do so ourselves. A group is stronger and more powerful operating together than when we try to operate individually. Groups have one another backs and can recognize danger that we ourselves might miss. Two or more brains processing a problem is far better than one on its own.
Throughout the years, I have been involved in many 'power groups'. They have come in the face of running partners/groups, Bible studies, church small groups, prayer groups, neighborhood friends, a marriage/parenting mentorship and a homeschooling coop. Some groups have been as small as myself and one other person; others have been quite large. Some groups began specifically to meet the need of spiritual growth, others (like my current running group) started out meeting a physical need but has morphed into something more.
There is a quote I often share with my teenage children and my FCA huddles: 'You become like the five people you spend the most time with, so choose carefully.' Today I challenge you to consider with whom you are surrounding yourself. Are they making you bitter or better? Are they spurring you on to do great things for God or are they hindering your progress? Are they encouraging or discouraging? Do your times together include honest, transparent conversation or do these friendships stay at surface level?
Perhaps you are in a lonely season of life right now and you don't have such a group--maybe you've moved, changed jobs or such. My husband and I were in such a season after moving four years ago. Even now, we still sometimes struggle to find our spot or sense of belonging. I do believe with all of my heart that God wants to answer our prayers when we ask him to bring more fellowship into our lives; sometimes, though, he puts us through a waiting period of quiet isolation in order to fill that void with Himself and Him alone. If we are willing to see this solitary season as a gift and a blessing, I believe it can be some of the most treasured time with our Father that we will ever experience on this side of heaven. Such seasons, however, should not be the extended norm; we were created to be in relationship with both Him AND other believers, it's not an either/or. Also, we need to realize that we have responsibility in the process of cultivating relationships; we can't expect to just sit back and wait for friendships to happen. Relationships are a two way street and we have to be willing to do our part to pursue them.
How about you? Do you have a 'power group'? If not, I encourage you to commit to pursuing and praying for one in 2017.
