3/23/06

So, yesterday I ran, for the first time, FIVE miles. Wow! When I think back to the beginning of the year, and how I couldn't even run for 1 minute, I find myself amazed. Running 5 miles took me one second shy of 60 minutes. That is a long time. And, while I do spend my time listening to music, my thoughts begin to wander. Yesterday I found myself comparing my running life to my spiritual life.

Before I started running, I knew there was more to life than what I was doing. There was something about being able to run that peaked my interest and got me excited. The same with God...before I really dedicated my life to Him, I had the quiet whisper in my heart telling me to keep looking because there was something better for me.

The first day I ran with music was great. It helped me get focused so that I could get into the runnning zone that I so desperately needed. I guess I compare this to reading the bible, Christian books/articles, and listening to good Christian music and sermons on cd. These are all things that I can, and mostly do, by myself. These are tools that focus my life in Christ, and energize me for what life has to offer.

And then Sarah came to visit and I had a running partner at last!!! It is sooooo much better running with somebody else...even if separated on the track. Just knowing the other person is there, struggling and succeeding alongside me made a whole lot of difference. Having her there also kept me accountable to a respectable pace, and although I sometimes felt like walking, I didn't. For me, this is synonymous to having a close friend or small group of friends who are also trying to live Christ-centered lives. They help me and guide me. They keep me accountable and they pray for me. They also believe in God's word and His promises. It makes a difference when I have other Christians around me. It is hard to walk alone...just like it is hard to run alone.

Of course, there was my little FOUR mile race! That was awesome. Being surrounded by those other runners got me so excited. I had butterflies fluttering around in my tummy. When we started the race, I ran at a much faster pace than usual. Being with the crowd pushed me further and harder than when I ran with just Sarah, and especially when I ran alone. I finished with a time that beat my personal best by 4 minutes. Wow! For me, the race is like being involved in an active, vibrant church, like mine and Todd's, Southbrook. I love being in the sanctuary when it is filled to the max with people who know and love the Lord. I love being part of a group that is so much greater than just little me, singing and worshiping to the one, true God. The church, God's church, pushes me further and harder than I would go if I were just by myself. That is one of the many reasons why it is so important to get involved in a God-centered church, not just watch from the sidelines.

Lastly, someday I want to run a really big race, like the New York marathon... a race that has tens of thousands of people running in it. I want to feel the excitement in the air, and I want to witness the awesomeness of being with an incredibly large group of people who all enjoy doing the same thing...running. I can only imagine what a thrill that will be for me someday. Just like I can only imagine what it will be like to be reunited with my Lord, in heaven, where I will join the heavenly host in praising His glorious name. That, of course, will blow the marathon out of the water! And what a joy that will be. I know that my time here on earth is nothing but a short jog compared to the eternal marathon that I will run in heaven. Now that will be the race I will never want to finish.

I am thankful for...

1. having such nice neighbors. I told them today that we are thinking about moving. They were sad. I told them they needed to help me find good neighbors to move in to our house. If any of you know anybody who would be interested, give them our number.

2. Daniel being such a snuggle-bunny. Someday soon, he is going to be too big and too busy to snuggle! Bummer!

3. Amy, Caroline and Catherine coming over for lunch today. I love watching Caroline and Michael play together. And I, of course, love spending time with my dear friend.

4. my friend Tricia, having a baby boy yesterday. Hopefully I will get to see her and meet him soon.

5. my computer working today when I REALLY needed it to. Sometimes I never know and today I was pleasantly surprised.

6. the very nice conversation I had with my brother-in-law, Steve. He is a really good guy and I enjoy talking with him.

7. getting to see Will and Marcelis, the landscapers. I haven't seen them in a long time and it was nice to catch up.

8. the flowers in the yard starting to bloom. It is going to be super-gorgeous soon!

9. getting all caught up on 24.

10. my stress level being very minimal. This is such an incredible blessing and I have God and Todd to thank. I have been blessed more than I will ever even come close to deserving, and Todd is amazing for giving me such a wonderful home life.