Developing Healthy Summer Habits of Surrender

For most of my life, running never seemed like an enjoyable activity. It’s tiring. It’s difficult. It’s borderline unbiblical. (Doesn’t Proverbs 28:1 say that “the wicked flee when no one pursues?”)

In all seriousness, I did try to get into running as a teen, joining my mother or stepfather for an early-morning scamper every now and then. I planned on joining the military, so I thought the occasional jog would help me pass the physical fitness test. But I wasn’t consistent enough.

When test day arrived, not only did I fail the running portion miserably, but I threw up afterwards — in front of a small crowd, no less. It was humiliating and part of the reason I decided that the military wasn’t for me.

Fast-forward 20 years and I’m making more progress with running than I ever thought possible. I set a personal distance record for a single run the other day (11 miles) and am training for my first half-marathon. This is amazing to me considering I couldn’t even run a mile straight just four years ago!

So, how did I get here? Not by just deciding to become a good runner, that’s for sure. It started with committing to a goal, then developing healthy habits to work on that goal every single day.

The same concept applies to our spiritual lives. Hebrews 12:1 tells us that we are running a race and we must run it “with endurance.” To develop that endurance, we have to be consistent. We can’t just surrender a plan or two — we must commit to spiritual growth by surrendering all of our plans and all of our life to Jesus on a daily basis.

How? Here are six practices I’ve learned that help me keep Jesus first:

1. Start Strong

Your morning often dictates how the rest of your day will go. If the first thing you do when you wake up is grab your phone and look at social media, you might be inviting negativity into your life before your feet hit the ground. But if you open the Bible instead or spend a few minutes praying, you can start your day with an attitude of surrender. For me, I like to complete my runs in the morning, as it’s more difficult to find the motivation and stamina later on in the day. That’s why I also spend some time in prayer before my run so I can keep my thoughts God-focused and avoid forgetting to pray later on.

2. Practice Gratitude

It’s almost impossible to be thankful and worried at the same time. This is because gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what God has already provided. One practical way to practice gratitude and make this a healthy habit is to either write down or speak out loud three things you’re thankful for each day. Whether you do it in the morning, at dinner or in bed at the end of the day, this can train your heart to recognize God’s goodness in every season.

3. Pause and Reflect

Our lives can get chaotic sometimes. So much so that we forget to spend time with God, much less listen for him. But pausing for even one minute each day can do wonders for your spiritual growth. I’ve implemented this healthy daily habit in my life, setting aside the times of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a time of reflection. Sometimes, I’m only able to do it for a minute. Other times, I can spend 5-10 minutes or more. Each pause helps me refocus myself spiritually and reminds me of God’s presence. (If you’re looking for something practical to help you with this, I highly recommend the One-Minute Pause app by John Eldredge.) 

4. Look for Ways to Serve

What would happen if you committed to serving at least one person each day? I think you’d be surprised at how much impact it could make. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, a quick prayer for a stranger or a dedicated time of service at a local church or charity, including serving in your summer routine is a great way to Live Second.

5. Confess and Reset

Lamentations 3:22-23 says that God’s mercies “are new every morning.” I’m so grateful that we serve a God of second chances and he gives us a fresh start every single day. While we may not be able to bring ourselves to admit where we fall short in the moment, we can reflect at the end of the day (or the start of the next one) and receive God’s grace afresh. Build a moment for this in your day to stay close with the One who already knows your heart.

6. Carry Reminders

Finally, remind yourself daily why you’re doing what you’re doing. Whether it’s putting up sticky notes with verses or encouraging words on your mirror or wearing your favorite I Am Second gear, having a visual cue can keep your heart in check and help you ensure that the healthy habits you’re trying to establish take root in your life.

At the end of the day, spiritual growth is not a sprint — it’s a marathon. Like physical running, if you focus on consistent, healthy habits and gradual progress, you’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come at the end of summer. Focus on surrender every single day and I know you’ll get there.