This is How I pause: I connect with God through Running
This is How I pause:
I connect with God through Running
Christopher and Jeanne Agenbag are missionaries who have left deep footprints in God’s Kingdom. On this life journey that took them through Europe, Mozambique, and Zambia, the Lord entrusted them with six precious children and now eight grandchildren. Today, Jeanne shares about the legacy of running they imparted to their children.
The Scotsman, Eric Liddell, became known at the 1924 Olympic Games as he unexpectedly won the 400 m race. Eric had a very unusual running style – his head so far back, that he could hardly see the track. He described his joy in the sport, with the following statement:
“when I run, I feel God’s pleasure!”
I grew up in a family who loved God and sensed even more of His presence when they hiked or biked. My parents both passed on an appreciation for the mountains and nature of our South African hometown, Stellenbosch. Dad often took us for long walks and deep conversations about the Creator of life and such beauty.
Music and movement became my joy and fulfilment. The opportunity to join a Worship dance group, allowed me to echo Liddell’s words – when l DANCE, I feel His pleasure. This focus had to adapt a bit, however, when my relationship with Christopher started. His delight was RUGBY and we had to develop new shared activities. We also felt a call to missions and moved often to places where you needed to keep yourself balanced, adaptable and active.
RUNNING became our life-long option – allowing us to enjoy the most breath-taking experiences. We treasure the unique memories of running in European forests, London’s parks, Canada’s national woods, Mozambique’s humid countryside, Zambian natural savanna areas as well as South African trails.
Regular running requires discipline, but it also adds some side-benefits. We knew this mutual interest and the gift of good health was God’s grace, but we also experienced that it brought balance, relaxation and such shared joy. I often remembered the words of a beloved childhood friend and pastor:
” We have only one will, and when we break it in one aspect, it is weakened in all areas.”
This warning also holds an implied promise: a disciplined will, can have a broader impact. We both felt that our foundation has to remain our intimate walk with God, a dedicated daily study of His Word and commitment to a pattern of prayer.
When the first of our six children were welcomed into our lives, we realized the challenge it may bring to any existing schedule. Finding new routines, taking turns and sometimes skipping exercising, gradually helped us to figure out a different, but sustainable way. We introduced some variations (like using an indoor exercise bike) and having a flexible attitude and willing heart to adapt and remain content. The children obviously were aware of our values, patterns and habits and as soon as possible, we would introduce them to these.
Each child would receive their own ONE YEAR BIBLE to encourage them in their own relationship with and study of The Word, or join us in family devotions. Then, when they were ready, a birthday gift of running shoes would invite them to join us in jogging. The children all embraced these invitations in unique ways, and gradually developed their very own style. The girls mostly enjoyed the challenges, but establishing a sustainable program, is never too easy. Home-schooling offers benefits and some areas of frustration – you usually cannot form any proper sports team or have the satisfaction of competition or achievement. Sometimes our exercise programs included tears and discouragement as well.
Habits are not set in single efforts, but the reward and joy of a goal achieved, helped all of us. Some developed a motivation chart and determined specific targets and by now we all run – only the younger ones much harder, further and faster than their original trainers.
A deepening sense of gratitude has also grown over the years as we appreciate the numerous gifts our Father has entrusted to our family. He has drawn all of us to Himself, allowing us to share His inheritance, sustained by His hand and kindness.
How we love Him for His grace. How we thank Him for the heritage of children who embrace the most precious baton we could ever pass on: to walk with our LORD.
