I had noticed that one of the young men, staying in the same dorm room at the discipleship training, had gone out running once or twice during the week. (I was a little envious – I had brought my shoes and clothes but didn’t feel there was time in the schedule so I didn’t get out.)
I decided to make conversation and asked how far he normally ran. This led to comparing notes about distances and races and other general running related conversation. The one comment that stuck out to me and has lingered with me now for a couple of days came after I had shared the number of miles I typically run in a week. The comment: “That’s amazing for someone your age.” I am just at that age where I am a little sensitive to comments like that. It may be the first time I have heard in recent years. It is a statement that feels good when you are 10 and someone is amazed at your accomplishments. But once you pass_____(you can fill in your own number) that statement doesn’t have the same feel.
Later that morning I was sitting at the breakfast table with other participants of the training event. We were discussing the previous days events and the focus was on the time when the older participants were compared to King David and younger men were compared to Solomon. David handed the kingdom over to Solomon. The older men (David’s) were encouraged to pray for the younger men (Solomon’s) and in a sense entrusting ministry to the next generation.
One of the young men at the table looked at me and said, “you are more of a Jesse” (David’s father) – another reference to being one of the older ones.
I suppose I could take offense – on the other hand I do feel blessed to be able to get out and run. And if David represents a father in faith passing faith and ministry on to the next generation; then Jesse must be a grandfather in faith passing faith on to the 3rd generation. I like the idea of being a Jesse – of having spiritual grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
I think I will do my best to keep running like Jesse.
