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When I Run, I Feel His Pleasure...

"I believe God made me for a purpose...but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure."
Eric Liddell

If you were to ask me what my favorite movie is, I'd answer with Chariots of Fire.  It's funny because every time I watch it, I always have the thought, "This movie is kinda slow...is this really my favorite movie?" and then it comes to the final race and that one line, reminds me again, why this remains as my top pick.

But as I've grown into adulthood and have become an artist...this story of Mr. Liddell's has meant so much to me in a whole new way.  Before, it was just about a man who stood by his convictions.  However, watching it again, what struck me was his battle of doing something that seemed very 'important' vs. honoring a talent he had.

Sometimes, I've thought that.  I was going to be a lawyer...I had great plans. After graduating college, I lost my motivation for it, and as you all know, am now a photographer and a blogger.  It was a turn of events I never expected...and at times, I wonder if I chose the lesser of the two goods.

I have many friends who are young parents...I have friends whose children have grown. I know people who are less than thrilled with their career choice...and I sense that we all find ourselves at a place wondering if what we do matters.  I think it's easy to lose sight of talents or gifts that we have because they seem less important than the 'important' tasks at hand.  Maybe it's a gift for music, cooking, running, reading, writing, building, relationships, gardening, fishing, dancing, drawing, talking, listening...

It's worth thinking about, isn't it?  Sometimes I get so caught in the mundane, I forget to find pleasure in the fun gifts...the really enjoyable ones. I don't think He's all about just the business of life and tasks...otherwise I don't know that he would have created color, nature, laughter, music, animals, smells, taste...

As I watched that final race again, I could truly say, "When I shoot pictures, I feel His pleasure" or "When I play with my nieces and nephews...or when I play music...when I write silly posts...I feel His pleasure"

...I think it's easy for me to think that those are less important...but they aren't.  Life doesn't always allow for time to invest in those areas of our lives, I get that.  But it's not good to lose sight of them either. I wonder what you'd put in the blank if you said,


"I believe God made me for a purpose...but he also made me _________.
And when I ___________, I feel his pleasure."
~ You

And with those random thoughts...have a great Monday. :)


9 comments:

alisonsutter said...

Ooooo, love this. It was so great to read this morning. Reminds me that Jesus came to give us life MORE ABUNDANT!

Rebekah said...

Tam, thank you for the reminder that when I am doing what I know God has called me to, it matters. I know that I feel His pleasure most when I do what Hes called me to to the best of my ability...even when I don't feel gifted at it. So thanks.

And that scene never grows old for me. Love it so much!

smw said...

this connects with something deep within me. a desire to live like this a little more instead of being driven by the urgent little tasks.

smw said...

ps-this clip was so good. made me tear up.

T and M said...

a friend sent me a link to this blogpost, probably because I'm always talking about how art nourishes my soul & that God created me for creativity in some way, still kind of figuring that part out : ) ...so I love this! great post Tami---Mandy

Daish said...

I reiterate everything Shar said. This puts in words perfectly what has been going on in my head a lot these days. I love it. Can't wait to watch that movie!

Daveana said...

I love this post Tami! Wow! I was just thinking about this! :D

Kasey said...

Thanks for this post Tam... reminds me of a conversation we had not to long ago. I've been thinking a lot about it lately too. Good thoughts!

Heidi said...

Makes me bawl every time.

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