Keep on Running.

Togetherness

I was taken back many years as I began my homeward journey yesterday. I had already completed a lovely walk but felt that I could easily walk a few miles more so I asked to be dropped off at a layby I thought was an easy few miles from home. I crossed the main road and dropped into the woodland expecting to be on a track I would recognise. I was not on a recognisable track, I was not even in a recognisable woodland. 

I instantly became much more aware of my surroundings. I had first to get my bearings, secondly, I had to find a track that was heading in the direction I wanted to go. Not knowing where I was I found myself wandering over fallen branches and obstacles of all kinds, including deep mud.

It was then I was taken back through the years. I heard a well-known song coming from the voice of a young person, "Keep on running," said the sing-song voice. 

I relaxed because if there was a runner there was for sure a well-worn track. I headed in the direction of the voice and sure enough, there was a track and there was a runner. He quickly assured me I was heading in the correct direction to meet up with the route to home.

I could relax and enjoy thinking of the many times I had heard somebody say to me, "Keep on running." Even though I had heard it so often it always made me smile, at least they noticed I was not walking.

They would not say that to me now because I am walking. Walking many miles and at a fairly good pace, but not running.

I remembered these words. A person is born gentle and weak. At their death, they grow hard and stiff. Young green plants are tender and full of sap. At death, they are withered and dry. Therefore stiff and unbending is the disciple of death. The gentle and yielding the disciple of life.

Yes, I would love to hear again the sing-song of,"keep on running," I do not want to be dry and brittle like the many branches and twigs I was stepping on as I walked. 

But it is not just about the movement of limbs that keep us gentle and yielding, though there is no doubt whatsoever that no matter what age to keep as much movement as possible can only be good. But the other place where we should desire to be gentle and yielding is in our thoughts and actions with others.

I had an old aunt of 103, she was one of the youngest people I knew.I have known friends who are continually telling me how age is getting them down and they mourn the loss of youth.

Stay gentle and yielding in all you do. I do not suffer old age. I have youth deficiency, but that is never going to stop me from being as gentle and yielding as I can be.

Have a wonderful day and in spite of all things remember you are but a youth, "Keep on Running."