Anyone else bothered by others calling your running ability a "gift"?

u mad

Nobody has ever referred to my running talent as a gift, nor do I suspect anybody will ever do so.

I'm faster than the average population, but pretty ordinary by running standards.

What makes you think gifted has anything to do with religion for every person using that expression?

They phrase it that way. Things like "God gives us all gifts and he gave you running", "you should be thankful (to God) for your gift" etc. As if I run because God intended me to.

OK so if I quit running competitively, which I will 3 years from now, then what? Plenty of gifted runners who don't run. Did they scorn God when they mad that decision, ineffectual as it is?

Honestly though, we're all young here, one day we won't be able to run. It is a gift while it lasts, also shut up OP, you are a loser.

-Having relationship with Jesus allows me to run more freely, unafraid of the outcome because running does not determine my worth. God did that for me by sending Jesus for us all. This is how God helps my running, freedom from the necessity to prove myself as fast or slow, or worthwhile.

- You're right, I do not think he cares to have me run faster or slower, especially if all I concentrate on is running, it can steal from getting to know who God is (numb emotions, obsessive runner probs, steal time).

-i haven't always had that figured out, I had running as top priority for a long time, it was miserable sometimes.

-I see it as a gift from God. It's a gift to me because it's movement in beautiful places with cool people. Not many people love the pain of it, I do. It's great. It's part of how I process and enjoy life.

-youve got a good head on, no need to compare your logic to others, Christians are humans...We can all say ridiculous things (not me though). I think the most solid way God assists anyone, is letting them know who they are and how he sees them (he sent Jesus to die for us, might like us a little).

-on the running side...1:55...You have skills.

1/10.

To someone who is handicapped, or as poor as f---k you are extremely gifted as am I.

While I agree with you that God does not care about conference titles if you really believe then you know you are gifted.

Just trying to give you some perspective...

No, but I do get tired of liberals saying that we need to take care of those who are "less fortunate", whatever the hell that means.

I know it is. Many people could never ever break 2:45 let alone 3 hours in their life. Yet I've done it many times. I'm in my 50's now, and could train 3 months and run under 3:15. It's mostly genetics.

No, but growing up I was constantly told how lucky I was to have a "great metabolism" from my fat relatives.

It couldn't possibly be running year round plus playing other sports.

Serious Answer wrote:

No, but I do get tired of liberals saying that we need to take care of those who are "less fortunate", whatever the hell that means.

Take care of those "less fortunate" is NOT a trick statement. It's pretty straight-forward to anyone with a beating heart. There are cultural/societal norms to do it. There are ethical, logical, & emotional reasons to do it. There are religious reasons to do it as well. Then, there is the opposite of watching suffering & doing nothing about it.

Is it really only Liberals that say we should take care of those who are "less fortunate"?

Lots-o-right wingers claim to be Christians. Don't Christians expouse a similar sentiment?

Mmmmmmmm spiritual yummy. wrote:

Christians are humans...We can all say ridiculous things (not me though).

Don't sell yourself short. You have a gift for saying ridiculous things.

You go to a Catholic school and get annoyed when people talk in a religious manner?

Umm....transfer?

That's like going to Dunkin Donuts and being mad they are selling donuts.

Surprise! wrote:

You go to a Catholic school and get annoyed when people talk in a religious manner?

Umm....transfer?

That's like going to Dunkin Donuts and being mad they are selling donuts.

+1 LOL

Comprehension Fail wrote:

Serious Answer wrote:

No, but I do get tired of liberals saying that we need to take care of those who are "less fortunate", whatever the hell that means.

Take care of those "less fortunate" is NOT a trick statement. It's pretty straight-forward to anyone with a beating heart. There are cultural/societal norms to do it. There are ethical, logical, & emotional reasons to do it. There are religious reasons to do it as well. Then, there is the opposite of watching suffering & doing nothing about it.

My objection is not to helping out others in need; It is to the term "less fortunate". It enables lower income families by convincing them that they have no responsibility in the matter.

People have certain aptitudes towards different paths, some can play a musical instrument really well, others it's athletics of some sort, or art. That is not saying that they do not work at it, but "the gift" is often just that, the desire and ability to spend a great deal of time and effort perfecting a certain skill. Often these are things we find interest in and seem to come easier to one person over another.

It does not have anything to do with Sunday school and Jesus.

Running is a gift. Just like tall is a gift.

Haven't you heard of the phrase you can't coach tall?

Some people are naturally talented and some are not. Some are more naturally talented than others.

So yes, you are lucky to be faster than the other slow runners at your D3/NAIA school.