Grandma's Marathon with Son
Today a running buddy sent me a hilarious YouTube video that captures some of the zany conversations I have during my preparation to run a marathon. http://youtu.be/Cw5MHsO-JI8 Some people see addicted runners as simply crazy. Perhaps it is fortunate that I have been injured this winter, so the members of Resurrection Lutheran, my new congregation, have not been subjected to this conversation. But come spring?!
On a more serious note, I also wonder if conversations about spiritual matters can have a similar effect on the non-believer. Can someone with a passionate faith in Jesus Christ come across as so weird, that it repels rather than attracts? Especially if the conversation is so one-sided as this one. On the other hand, it was the vitality and joy that I saw in so many runners that drew me into the fold. Isn’t that true for the faithful as well?
Questions to ponder
Pastor John Keller 
Your question reminded me of a dvd I have, but haven’t yet watched, called ‘Lord, save us from your followers’. I suspect it tries to examine that question. I like your analogy – there is something so magnetic and appealing about a field of runners. For many reasons my favorite part of road races is the post-run atmosphere. To a new year of joy and vitality!
Sarah, I totally agree about the vitality seen in a group of runners – except perhaps at the end of a hot, challenging marathon!