I'm not a believer of taking baby steps. I'd guess it depends on the situation but in general I'm more of a trial-by-fire type of guy. But lately it feels like I might be overextending just a bit — becoming core, taking leadership training classes, heading off to the mid-west for a conference, and training for my first marathon. Oh yeah...bring it!

Can You Bring It (Spiritually)?

I'm finishing up Knowing God by I.J. Packer. I've been taking Leadership Boot Camp (LBC) at GrX, learning about effective leadership skills in the context of small groups. And yesterday I've decided to book a flight to Chicago for Willow Creek Small Groups Conference with my...small group buddies.

Then suddenly it just registered on me that these activities are happening way too fast. Sometimes trial-by-fire can be good. Sometimes it's like marching into the what-the-heck-am-I-doing territory. The truth is, I barely even knew Jesus as my personal Savior a year ago.

Just 8 months ago I answered an email and walked through Kat's place where Knot2Us meets regularly. At no point during the "welcome to Knot2Us" speech would I expect:

Knot2Us: "Oh and hey 8 months from now you'll be core, take leadership boot camp, and go off to Chicago to learn about small group community and God."
Me: "Oh yeah core, LBC, Chicago. Sure."

That feeling of stepping out of my comfort zone can be...daunting. Did I mention that I'm doing a marathon?

Back to Reality

I finally found my heart rate monitor. Lest I let myself go into denial that I'm running a marathon, I'm starting to get a little compulsive about training. After dinner with Hank I stopped by Books Inc. on Castro again to read up on their tiny "running" section. I even Googled "Heart Rate Monitor Training."

In order to get my personal MHR (Max Heart Rate) I'm supposed to run up a 200 to 300 meter hill with jog back down as a resting period. I'm to do this 5 times. Are these tests for humans are kangaroos? What did I get myself into? I didn't have to worry about this stuff when I did my 5K a couple of weeks ago. I suppose it's for the best. Hmmm...now where would I find such such a steep 1/2 mile agonizing up hill? Reality is starting to set in...Oh boy!

Week 2: Bananas, Gatorade, and Perfect Zone Bar On My Mind