This is pic has a bible verse that speaks very true. In first Peter chapter 4 verse 10. In which Peter, the father of the church tells followers around Asia Minor to serve each other with the talents that you have.
Speaking of Peter, this became familar to me when at Bible Study a little over 2 weeks ago when during the lesson we were reading from Mark 1: 16-20 where it said
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
The disciples that Jesus had called had no idea where it would lead them since many of them had come from around Galilee which to many Galilee is like the "Appalachia" of Israel if you will. After 3 years of following Jesus, many of them weren't unsure of what would be next them but Jesus told them after his resurrection from death to wait and they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and they would speak in different tougues. Once that occured they went all over Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean spreading the gospel and others after them did so too making our great Christian community all over the world what it is today. Messages and lessons speak true over 2000 years ago up till today.
God was able to call those disciples whom many consider to be the most unlikely people at that time to lead and spread his word. It can be the same thing today even in all aspects of life. There have been people that were the most unlikely to lead but when the opportunity came to those they were able to run with the ball and do great things you might say. It goes with leading corporations, leaders of nations or armies, people in entertainment, sports, etc.
We have been given some opportunities and God wants us to use them to help others and each other in one way or another. Kind of the reason why I'm typing this is because my small group leaders are hoping to plan on building a church whenever it be here in Columbus or somewhere else around the country. They feel that it is their calling and that is what God has planted in their hearts. I support them for it and be able to pray for them in their success to hopefully for them accomplish this mission. The only sad thing is that my small group in a couple of weeks will end but I know another one with a couple of the same people will began but I may want to spread my wings a little since I know there have been those I've grown close to are moving on afterwards and join another group at my church in hopes that I would meet others, but still continue my walk with God along the way. I hope to continue to see those in my current small group from time to time.
The really great thing about my friends wanting to plan a church is it got me the motivation to finally jump into what has been on my heart and I've been talking about to almost everyone for a long time the last few months, what has been one of my things to do on my New Year's Resolution That of course is to get my certification in being a personal USATF certified coach and NFHS certified running coach whenever it may be coaching cross country/track & field at a Junior High or High School Level or just basically coaching individuals (like some other people I know) and give them training plans for goal races from 5k-Marathon, recommend them to running shoe stores (like Columbus Running Company), recommend them to a nutrionist as well, and have them keep track of their process so I know whenever for them to back off or add on depending on their background. So far the only experience I've had coaching was track and field for 2 seasons at my high school after I got out of college. I was able to get the Boys 4 x 800 relay to Regionals twice, the Girls 4 x 800 Relay to Regionals once, a girl to the Regionals in the 800 meter run, but in my 2 years of volunteering coaching I got a girl to the State Meet in the 3200 Meter Run once, a boy to State in the 1600 Meter Run one year the year before I got him to the Regional in the 1600 M, and a boy to the State Meet in the 3200 Meter Run both years I have volunteered coaching for my High School.
I realize it could be hard for me to get these type of jobs due to my work schedule which is basically one of the reasons why I did not persue it any further after I moved because I was afraid I would become too busy and not have enough of my own time to train. Also, the fact that I'm not in education and they sometimes give those jobs to teachers whenever they know anything about the sport or not. To me distance runners can make the best coaches. They have been around Track & Field and have an interest in the sport. I admit I don't know anything about throwing events but its cool to see how far they go. I dunno I could just be good to coach cross country and maybe be a distance coach in track. It could be hard since I've now been a track official now for last 2 seasons. But I could just coach cross country, and officiate in the spring and coach individuals outside of cross country/track & field who may want to PR in the 5k to the Marathon no matter what pace they run or skill level. Anyone is welcome.
I realize I have to read up a little more on training and coaching but I could do on the side from my regular work. I can do more than be an official. But, I'm not giving that up nor my regular job. My career is my main income. Lately, I haven't been too happy at times in my work. Some days it's just going through that routine. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful for it along with my job security. But, there are days I feel like Peter from Office Space.
Love that movie. I'm still going to be working at my job as long as they let me and do it to the best of my abilities. There are some positives about the job i do, but I feel I like to do things on the side that I can enjoy. Running has been it but I'm not a professional getting paid to do it, there is a lot of pressure to maintatin that fitness level. Lot of my friends outside of CRC are amazed at my fitness level. Yet, I'm humbled for it and work hard but have fun competiting. Besides it keeps me from going insane from this Department of Defense Accounting Job.
Once I compete the online development course which shouldn't take too long I plan on taking a Level 1 course at a school or college somewhere for 3 days. I think taking the online course would help me become a better official as well. My only hope is after the training that I would be given the chance to be able to coach whenever it be individuals with goal races or at a local junior high or high school but start out as an assistant and be able to get my name out there. This along with officiating is something that keeps me involved with the sport if I slowly back down and don't compete as much anymore in the years to come. I know that day will come especially if I get too busy and settle down with a family hopefully.
Anyway, I didn't mean to bragg about my plans. I just wanted to encourage you all with what God has done for you and if you are being call to do what you think he wants you to do with your talents or interests. Don't want to go on too much longer, but I've seen a lot of people use what they have to the best of there abilities and the good feeling it gives them helping others.
I just want to leave a word of encouragement to my friends who are starting a church. I know with all the resources, connections, and leadership you developed over the years you have a great chance of succeeding. Starting out small isn't a bad thing either who knows it could effect people very deeply. One great example, Two cross country/track teammates from a NCAA Division III University got together to form a running store, over the years it has grown to support the running communtiy with running groups, charity races, and a group of people whom have grown to be great friends.
That's my 2 Cents!!!!!!!!! :)
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