In the long run

A question a friend recently asked about spiritual healing took me back to an experience I had running a hundred-mile race through the mountains. Telling me that he found his spiritual practice helpful with work situations and relationships but medical attention simpler for his health-care needs, my friend asked why I, a Christian Scientist, sought healing through spiritual treatment. It’s a good question, and I addressed it by sharing my ultramarathon experience.

I had been running marathons (26.2 miles, or 42.195 km) for some time, and loved it because of the spiritual growth I experienced along the way—in both the preparation and the actual race. Running four times that far sounded almost impossible, but the idea intrigued me.

The challenges of life often push us to grow spiritually, and it’s also nice from time to time to choose activities that we feel will deepen our understanding of God and our spiritual identity—whether that be working on an art project, playing a piece of music, growing the perfect tomato, or going for a very long run. So, I signed up for the race and began training. 

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