I ran on Saturday in honor of Meg Menzies. Menzies died after being hit by a drunk driver a week ago, while she was training for the Boston Marathon. I ran to be part of the movement to finish her race, to be one of those who ran Meg’s Miles. (For a stirring reflection on Menzies’ passing, check out Professor Candance’s piece.

“Some dance to remember, some dance to forget.”–The Eagles, “Hotel California”

Running Saturday definitely made me remember that Menzies had died, and reminded me of how stupid and selfish drinking or texting and driving are. It also reminded me of those souls who lost their lives and limbs at last year’s Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. It made me think about my friend Paul who has a long road back from a motorcycle accident that left him without a left leg. It made me think of my friend Dean and his battle with brain cancer.

None of them can run now, but some of them will run again. I can and should run more often, but too often, I’m lazy or stubborn or too apathetic to lace up my shoes and head to the gym. On Saturday, I got to thinking that maybe on some days that I dis-honor them.

Do you ever wonder that about your faith? I know I do.

Sure, it sounds great on the days when we read our Bibles, say our prayers, go to church on consecutive Sundays, give away money and toys at Christmas, and practice a giving spirit, to say that we honored the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. But what about the days when we’re not generous, not faithful, not kind, too grumpy, out of sorts, apathetically selfish, and stuck on ourselves? Do we dishonor God?

Hosea wrote, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings” (6:6). The Psalmist put it this way: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (51:17). James said, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (1:27). All of these point to our honoring God with a change in our attitude, not just a day of the week or a special day of celebration. It’s about a lifestyle change that sometimes I find harder said than done! But I believe these crucial moments in our lives (unfortunately, usually tragically), can inspire us to change.

I hope that if you read this that you will run (or walk, or hop, or something) to remember those who would run but can’t. And I hope that you’ll consider with me what it looks like to honor God 365-24, to really honor by the ways we live our lives, not just on ‘high holy days’ or days that have Facebook reminders.

It’s time to run.