I'm not very good at running. I do of course have some helpful technology. I have a wireless transceiver in my shoe that talks to either my watch or my phone. And if I take my phone for a run, it can log exactly where I've been using GPS, and how long it took to get there. It even gives me a cheer every time I pass a 1km mark! (Or it did until I found that a bit annoying.)
This is of course mixed with my 'Running' MP3 playlist. And at the end of the run, an unknown American athlete says 'Good job!' or some other grating transatlantic colloquialism. And then all the data is logged onto a website so I can see how I'm doing relative to previous runs. All very encouraging!
But does any of that technology actually make running any easier?
Not really. It still requires the same amount of effort, the same number of steps, the same will to get up rather than stay in bed.
It does help though to have a bit of digital encouragement, to know there's (a virtual) someone alongside me, that I'm not on my own. And sometimes to look back at my data and see I've achieved a goal. There are health benefits too I presume - not being ill is something that's easily taken for granted.
Now in best vicaring tradition: .. And God is a little bit like that.
God works in our lives in a similar way to how technology helps me to run. Ŵe still have to work hard - even just to be motivated to do God's work at all. Sometimes we don't feel like we've achieved much for God until we take time out to look back. Just knowing that God is alongside us is encouragement to keep going. And sometimes we hear a whisper from someone else, or something we've seen or read, that we know is being passed on from above.
John 14:26
The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
Location:Llandudno - Leeds-Liverpool canal
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