During my training, I pulled all the muscles in my legs, was treated for Planters Fasciitis in my left foot, and took a major tumble during my longest run three weeks before my major race. I was a mess, but to be honest with you, it was also the greatest experience I had ever had. I felt better about myself. I was an example for my kids, and most importantly, my training runs were a chance for me to stop thinking, stop talking, and simply listen to God and all he needed to teach me. You see, while I was training my body to push itself further than it thought it could go, God was training my spirit the same lessons.
These lessons became crystal clear during the race, itself. I had only had a chance to run 9 and half miles prior to running in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. The race was 13.1 miles. I was very concerned that I was not going to be able to finish what I had been training so hard to do. So when I reached the Mile 10 marker, I began to cry and thank God for helping me reach my goal. I had to stop and take a picture of it with my phone because I thought this was the ultimate achievement in my life, but I heard God's still quiet voice whisper, "This is nothing, keep going." So with soar muscles, and much help I continued on and completed the last 3.1 miles. With "My Redeemer Lives" blaring in my ears and hundreds of cheering people lining the finish line area, I completed something that I thought I would never be able to do, and as I crossed the line God whispered, "You see, I know what you are capable of doing. YOu thought your greatest achievement was 10 miles, but I knew it was the finish line. Trust me, I want to see you always go farther than you think you can."
So this is why I have decided to create this blog. I want to share my life lessons with you, so that you to can learn that maybe you need to look beyond your "10 mile marker" to the something greater God has in mind for you. I have to admit I haven't run another half since that one, but I don't feel like I have needed to. I see now it had nothing to do with the race, but rather with the surrender I needed to give to God. He is with us every step of the way. . . We just need to put one foot in front of another to follow him. . . .But that lesson is for another day.
Isaiah 40:30-31, " Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
