I was reading in the paper today about a woman who is a runner. Her story is that she had run for exercise for years. One of her sons asked her if she was running just to run or running with a goal in mind.

She said the question was a “wake up” for her. She realized that she went through the motions. And, since it was exercise and recreation for her, it was OK to approach running in that fashion. She wondered what would happen if she tried it with goals in mind.

For the first time, she began to time herself. She learned that she averaged over nine minutes a mile. When she began to run with a clock and pay attention to her progress, she found it gave new life to her workout. It invigorated her. Made it more interesting than in years past.

She began to try on new techniques. She began to give herself challenges. She found herself picking up the pace. The satisfaction she experienced at the end of the run was magnified.

Her story reminds me of a scripture in the Bible. Written by Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:24-26: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Therefore, I run in such a way as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air.”

You can live life with purpose. You can live without it. As for me, I find one with intention and purpose to be better. I think you will too!