For the longest time I have felt very honest with myself, and others, when classifying myself as “a runner”. It means I take off when things are not working for me, hurtful, harmful, or when I am completely “done” with a situation. This does not mean running from responsibility or what I know is right. It means running from what is wrong for me. I suppose a better way of describing it is a “turning away from” a situation in search of a new experience.
When I look back, I have realized that often my issue is not running from bad situations but actually staying way too long in them, or around them. Then I’ve come to a point where I have had enough and really don’t care to experience it any longer. I leave it behind me. It’s what we are supposed to do! It’s what I should always have done from the beginning. It’s not selfish, it is self preservation.
You see, it’s part of the human navigation system. When we sense danger or become uncomfortable with something, we are meant to turn from it. It might be very obvious or just a hint of something could just feel “off”. Sometimes seasons have changed and what used to work for us no longer does. So we leave it behind and grasp at something that works better. Why be discontented or unhappy when a new change can make life so much more enjoyable?
Why would God say, “Behold, I make all things new” and not mean it? In order to make things new, our actions need to reflect our responsibility in the process. Sometimes I crave what is new. Most of the time I have to be fed up to create an action. That’s probably an example of waiting too long. Following a much needed change can bring a new sense of empowerment that was not present before. We need this! It is part of growing and evolution as a person.
Apostle Paul spoke of leaving that which is behind and reaching forward for what is ahead. If anyone knew about leaving things behind it was him. He traveled so much he was like a gypsy. I totally get that feeling! As I have looked back, I have realized something important. Every time I left a situation it has been for a good reason and usually to correct a wrong choice for me. Even in wise choices, not everything stays the same. We are always in flux because we are meant to always evolve. Staying stale and stagnant accomplishes nothing but discovering depression, stunted growth, and disharmony with where life is pulling us toward.
Being a runner is a good thing when we are running toward what preserves us, grows us, and brings us peace. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that is worth compromising our peace of mind and heart.
Loving you from here,
Dr Jenine Marie Howry
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 