Admittedly, I am not the runner in our home. My husband loves exploring the different routes of Westwood, coming back filled with awe over what sites he passed and how much further his feet took him. I smile, knowing the run energizes his day while I am just as happy drinking my second cup of coffee. But lately, I think my husband has the better strategy.
Experts are using the phrase, “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” Meaning, many of us ran straight forward, double espresso in hand, feeling as if this quarantine time was conquerable. How many loaves of sourdough bread will we bake? How many novels can I read? How many yoga classes will we take? Which languages will my children learn?
Ambitiously, how will I now change into the person I always wanted to be?
Perhaps, in sprinting forward, we thought the finish line would be closer.
But this is a marathon, not a sprint. We do not know what normalcy will look or feel like. Sprinting is just leaving us out of breath.
It seems like the secret to running a marathon is the pace. Each runner learning how to uniquely pace themselves: nourishing their body with water, their mind with particular focus, and most of all, cultivating an inner voice that whispers, “It is time for you to slow down. It is time for you run faster. Nope. Not that fast. Keep going. Just like that.” The finish line is a fraction of the goal. The real accomplishment is knowing that your mind, body and spirit are dancing as one, allowing each foot to miraculously follow the other.
The ability to keep going is an underrated, beautiful gift.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes firm man’s steps.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And I imagine God whispering to each of us, “I’ve got my running shoes on. Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
Shabbat Shalom
Please know that we desire to remain connected with you. Please join us virtually through our many prayer services and classes. Visit www.sinaitemple.org for the various ways we can remain in touch.
If you are in need, do not hesitate to email the clergy and let us know how we can support you. You are essential to us!
