They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Over 2,700 years ago, when the prophet Isaiah spoke these timeless words, movement had long been a part of the human experience. But somewhere along the way, it curiously became a part of the human vernacular more than we even realize specifically in regards to the word “run”. To run grew into more than just mobility. It became a sign of rhythm and trend and a mark of linearity and even bodily function. It emerged as a place for animals and a position for ships. Of written word and public polls. A national pastime and excess things. And much, much more.
For in one single day, I might have a run of good luck with the stoplights in the morning only to have a run in my (well, her) hose getting out of the car. But once in the office, I might have to run it by my boss just to make sure all is clear. For in the long run, it is always better to seek out advice for difficult decisions and give it a run around the block before moving forward. Somedays, though, I feel like I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off. As my boss would say, it is a tough job to run the show. Whether the computers won’t run properly or the ad that ran in the newspaper is misspelled, even run of the mill problems can run you a huge bill.
It makes me just want to go home and let the chickens out in their run, and watch the Bears run up the score while seeing the Cardinals just sneak by on a game winning run. But then I turn on the news and see scenes of another illegal run across the border. Maybe I should just read about the Civil War, and the Battle of Bull Run (first and second). Or maybe I should channel my frustrations about society today and run for office to be an agent of change. Or as some might say, maybe it is just time to head out for a beer run and leave it all behind.
Whatever kind of running we do, though, it is clear that rapidly moving two feet back and forth was just the beginning. As language often tells the story of who we are and where we have been, it can’t help but make us wonder if running, well, runs a little deeper into the inner fabric of our consciousness than the sweat that forms on our brow after the morning ____.
Gotta run
