Joy in the Journey

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9

I have always been a pretty healthy person. Chasing my best health through diet and exercise. After I gave birth to my first born I knew I needed to be busy about finding a way to be strong and have endurance and not grow weary. About 15 months later when I gave birth to my second born I was even more convinced that an ongoing, active, pursuing of good health lifestyle would be in my best interest. I had to be able to keep up!

I had always had a desire to be a cross country runner. I would toy with it here and there throughout my twenties but decided as my thirtieth birthday was approaching I would run a 5K. So the journey began. Up at five o'clock every morning traveling to our nearest track and gradually working my way to running more than walking.

I loved the feel of the power I felt in my body while I was running. As the miles intensified and the power in my legs grew stronger I gained confidence in knowing that I could do this.

I could be "a runner"!

My favorite times running over the years was always with Sonya. We would run these country roads, exploring and taking notice of all the beauty God created for us to enjoy. We would have the best talks with laughter and some with tears. We knew we were taking care of our body, mind and soul. It was good for us!

I also enjoyed running on my treadmill. I love that thing! I was safe in my home on the open range of the treadmill belt. (No vicious dogs insight). I could go as fast as I wanted or slow to a crawl. I would pray. I would plan. I would work things out in my mind from life issues to redecorating my entire house.

My favorite length of a run was my ten miler. That gave me plenty of time to work out my body, challenge myself and fix all the problems in my world and the world around me.

Sounds were always strong as I would run. The sound of my feet hitting the pavement. The rhythm of my breathe as the miles stacked up behind me. The wind in my ears as I steadily traveled with one foot in front of the other. The feel of the sun on my face, like God was smiling down on me warming my way. The ease of it was so satisfying as I kept running; kept trying. Pushing myself to do my best. Having endurance for the pace.

Gosh I haven't ran in close to ten years now. Just writing about this makes me want to go lace up. One day I might just be able to do that. Lord willing.

"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." James 5:6

As Christians we often grow weary of our walk. There is much work to be done. We have to prepare ourselves for our journey every day. Paul encourages us to persevere. To embrace our gifts and hold on to our faith and love what we do so that it shows through our actions and deeds. We have to pray for strength to do His will and trust in Him for our eternal blessings. We are to be a living example of why God sacrificed His Son by walking steadily through our joys and triumphs and our trials and tragedies, leaning on the everlasting cross, giving God the glory.

Girls, let's run and not walk to the finish line. The journey is long but the destination is more gorgeous than we can imagine. What better way than with our Lord.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, May we learn endurance from the prophets of Your Word through studying their footprints. May we not grow weary or lose heart. Amen.