1/2/2026

 Friday Tale - What is Your Mile?

I just finished jogging.           It's 7:12am.

 

During the run many revelations came that paralleled this mornings run to life.

 

There are two very difficult miles to run no matter how long the run. The First and the Last Mile.

 

I usually run five miles or more. The first mile is the hardest and the one most missed. You see, you have to get started to run the first mile.

 

It's hard to get started. I have to get out of bed. Those first few steps that wake a sleeping body are part of the first mile. They are tougher than the steepest hill.

 

You have a race to run, a course to complete, or a project that awaits you.

 

You too have a first mile. And your first mile is tough, just like mine.

 

When I take my first step outside most of my run is completed. I've accomplished the hardest part. I've gotten started and stepped out.

 

The next few steps bring out the stiffness of your body as the muscles stretch and your lungs fill with the crisp, cool morning air. It's still dark outside and menacing shadows reach out from strange corners.

 

Darkness creates a different, somewhat eerie world. There could be dangers in the shadows but danger usually doesn't get up this early.

 

If there are any aches and pains, the first mile will bring them out. The greatest probability that you will give up and turn back is in the first mile.

 

The vast majority make new year's resolutions each year. Most have broken them at the end of the first two weeks. The first two weeks is the first mile.

 

Miles 2, 3 and 4 are usually uneventful, but the last mile is a doozy. There is something about the last mile that's a real strain and it doesn't matter whether I am running 2 miles or 10 miles. The last mile is a real strain.

 

And so it is with life.

 

To get started is a strain.

 

To finish is a strain.

 

The First and The Last Mile

 

What's your first mile?

~ Mountain Wings e-newsletter

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God..

~ Hebrews 12:1-2