11: My New Running Socks
Me in my limited edition Gia socks, ready for the journey ahead.
Logan here.
As we wrap up February, I would be remiss not to reflect on my first Valentine’s Day with the love of my life, Gia! Before I dive in, let me answer a question that you might be asking after reading the title of this post. No, I don’t make a habit of running. In fact, I’ve never ran…anywhere. (Cerebral palsy, what are you gonna do, eh?). Yet, there is a race that I’ve been called to run that is not strictly physical, but spiritual. One that is fueled by unconditional love, perseverance, and a steady focus. As I endeavor on that journey, God is showing me how to better love and be loved, specifically by Gia. With that, welcome to the February 2026 installment of Writer on Wheels.
At church a couple of weeks ago, Kevin, my close friend and longtime fan of the blog, delivered a sermon focused on the following passage:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
If you read my last post, you have an idea of my anxious tendencies, people-pleasing, my selfishness and self-image, all the crap that draws me away from God and the people He has put in my life. I shared that when I choose to retreat in shame, I don’t properly enjoy all the good, “new” things of the present. Likewise, excitement of the future, joy, peace and gratitude are stifled. This passage reminds me that God is fully aware of this struggle, how it tangles us up, burdens us, slows us down. As the writer states, Jesus “scorned” the shame destined for him at the cross; other translations use the word “despised.” I think it’s important to note how it doesn’t say Jesus ever scorned or despised the people that were dishing out shame on him and eventually killed him. In fact, through his death he paid the debt of his killers just as much as he paid for you and me. What the Lord actually despises here is shame itself. He doesn’t want me to wear shame like a medal weighing around my neck, but to throw it off so I can press forward! That is by no means to say that I can ever be sinless or incapable of screwing up (at least not until I’m in heaven) but it doesn’t have to stop me in experiencing growth because Christ took on the weight for me and for you. When the weight is lifted, we can lift our heads and revel in the prize. That is, the constant presence and power of the Savior himself.
Life is a tough race that requires perseverance. It ain’t easy, but it’s how we grow. Keep in mind, dear reader, if this is a race in which we are told to persevere and endure, the implication is that it’s continually going to be challenging. There will continue to be hurdles for me to jump (imagine me actually jumping a hurdle in my chair — kinda rad, right?) as worries, memories, or new voices try to trip me up. Those things are scary and bring me back to doubt. In Kevin’s message, he shared that when we start to obey the Lord, we start to disobey our desires, experiencing the life He calls us to, in His will. Kevin illustrated how athletes looking behind them in a race can cause them to slow down and lose their lead, and challenged us to run with a knowledge that if we are followers of Christ, we already belong to Him. Therefore, we shouldn’t run in dread from the things that haunt us nor to strive after His love, approval and affection. Christ is "the “pioneer and perfecter,” meaning that, while the race is meant to build me up into a better, holier Logan, His love and graciousness isn’t dependent on my victory. He’s set the standard and perfected it.
Logan, this is great and all, but what does this look like practically? Also, when are you gonna talk about Gia and those socks? Those are fair questions! Let me tell you about our historic, inaugural Valentine’s Day. Gia and I are both very intentional and personal when it comes to gift-giving and planning experiences, and this day was no exception. The plan was to spend it at my house, and I was going to work with my mom to make dinner. This wasn’t just any dinner, but a personalized experience, as you can probably tell from the menu below. My hope and prayer for the day was that Gia would feel just how loved she is, especially since she does such a fantastic job instilling that feeling in me. We ate, laughed, watched Pride and Prejudice, sat on the couch together and dreamed of the rest of our lives. She crushed it with her gifts: some of my favorite candy, a book that I’d been eyeing for months, and then, she really blew me away. She got me socks…with her face on them! See, this is an incredible gift on several levels: face socks are kind of my thing. I got my dad a pair of Logan socks a few years ago, a pair for my best friend Cam, and a new pair for Cam and his wife on their wedding! In fact, my mom and I had been discussing getting Gia some, and then she beat us to it! I told you, she’s the best.
Gia is the love of my life, and God has orchestrated our story from the start. She is most certainly a gift from Him, and He’s using her to teach me to look forward not in fear, but in hope. Running towards Jesus means being obedient to His will, trusting in Him when he gives good things as well as when he disciplines. Now, with each time I pull on these socks, I want to remember that. No matter what hurdle comes our way, I want to be running at her side. I encourage you, dear reader, look to Jesus, pull on your socks (face of your significant other highly recommended but not required), and move forward!
The Menu! (That mystery dish? Gia brought dessert, an Oreo cheesecake that was absolutely delicious!)