Pray on the Road: Bridging the Past and Future through Action and Reflection
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
Today, for some reason, my body felt heavy, and I didn’t feel like running. On October 31, I posted on social media that I had run 208 km (about 130 miles) this month and that next month I should reduce wasted time and focus more on my studies and running. Back to November 1, even though I had wasted the entire morning, the post I wrote yesterday suddenly came to mind, so I went out for a run. I also thought of my father’s words. He often said, “Don’t you already know? The answer is action—just do it.” As I stepped outside, it felt quite chilly, but the sunlight was pleasantly warm. Not long after I started running, my body heated up, and I happily ran 4 miles before returning home. As we know, the most difficult thing is getting over the threshold. A Korean proverb comes to mind: “Well begun is half done.”
While running, I recalled participating in the Chicago Half Marathon, my most recent race. (I had applied for the Chicago Marathon in the past two years but wasn’t selected. Registration for the 2025 race opened recently—I’d appreciate your prayers that I get in.) Because running has grown in popularity, the Half Marathon filled up before I could register. Without much expectation, I joined the waitlist around July. Having forgotten about it, I got an email three days before the race saying I could register. Big races are usually held on Sunday mornings. Luckily, the Chicago Half started and finished at Jackson Park near my home and church, so I thought I could attend service afterward. After having a conversation with my pastor, I registered for my first half-marathon at noon on Saturday.
The sudden decision to run my first race brought me both nervousness and excitement. As a result, I achieved the goals I had set for that race. There were many moments when I wanted to walk, but each time, I moved forward by recalling my personal goals, the thought that if I walked I might be late for church, and the hefty registration fee I had paid. However, I now realize that what ultimately made this possible was not the reasons above, but that I was someone prepared to run a race of this level and achieve such a goal. In fact, whenever I run, I often wonder if I’m fleeing from fears rather than seeking my aims. Had I chosen running merely as a means of escape? But now I think I understand a little—that the two are not so different, and what’s important is that I am now running forward from my past. Yes, I know the answer. Just do it.
Tonight, I will email the professors of the courses where I have incompletes. Because I am not someone avoiding the past and chasing vague dreams, but someone who is now running to connect my past to my future.
Author:
Seyo Oh (not Seiyo)
MTS, McCormick Theological Seminary, Class of 2023
STM, Chicago Theological Seminary, Current