Virtual Running

I am a runner – by which I mean I lace up my running shoes and spend hours each week running through the city streets, or the park, or the woods, or down a country road. I don’t find a lot of “pleasure” in it. I know it is good for me, helps to keep me healthy and strong, but I run so that I can “race” when the time comes. I llove the “competition!” I have a strong desire to “win.”

Now comes “virtual racing.” I see it as a scam. Because of the “pandemic” all my races (and almost all others) have been cancelled (thought they are starting to come back – YEA!). Instead I have been offered the opportunity to enter “virtual races” where I pay my entry fee,  run on my own, report any finish “time” I find attractive, and pick up the “swag” at some place and time if so inclined.  Yeah! Sure! That is nothing more than a “workout” that costs me money with no added value (the joy of being timed by a real clock, passing up old people and walkers, making some “pretenders” look bad, and “Winning!”)

Here’s the definition for “virtual:”  in effect, near, near enough, essential, practical, to all intents and purposes, simulated, artificial, imitation, make-believe; computer-generated, online, virtual reality.

I think that is happening in the lives of many people in relationship to the Church (the gathering of God’s Children). They have chosen some virtual path of worshiping, studying, praying, and bypassing the fellowship that is a part of every gathering. Sitting alone at home, perhaps watching a live stream or television production, but missing the interaction of the family of God sharing their lives, their faith, their testimony, and instead, attempt to short-cut the path to Spiritual maturity.

Racing is something we (whoever) do together. Something else is something else. I have no interest.

Church is something we (Believers) do together (see Hebrews 10:25). Something else is something else. I want to be with God’s people. I look forward to it with the same (or greater, really) excitement with which I approach the “Starting Line.” Look at the definition of “virtual” again. Who needs that!