The Unexpected

Happy Spring to Everyone - Although it really feels like summer! I am loving it, especially because I am starting back up running! This week I have been dwelling on something I heard at bible study. As some of you know, I volunteer with a sports ministry called Athlete's in Action. One component of the ministry is an all women's bible study on Sunday nights. This year we are studying Genesis. Alisha Kaiser speaks at the end, and something she said struck me: "God always answers “yes” to our prayers or answers it better than we ask or imagine." She proceeded with an analogy using her son, Weston. They had just cleaned out the car and there were some stale Goldfish crackers under his car-seat. Weston wanted the old and dirty crackers so badly. Alisha refused to give them to him, despite his pleading and crying. Instead, she opened a new box of crackers and offered him some. Even though Alisha offered Weston far tastier crackers, he wasn't satisfied because he had made up his mind that he wanted the ones he set his eyes on. I can totally relate to this one and a half year old. So often I deem what I think God's plan is and get so fixated on willing “my plan,” that I miss out on what God is offering me that is better. I dwell on what I am missing, rather than recognizing what goodness is right in front of me.

Naturally I will apply it to my recent training. Although I don't have God's long term perspective, I have to believe that my recent hiatus in training has been a blessing and is molding me to be the person God intends me to be; I have been reminded that God is in control and nothing is impossible with Him, been able to work out with a diverse group of people, developed my aerobic capacity because I can cross train much longer than I can run, improved my strength, developed a more disciplined mind, become more grateful for the opportunity to train and compete, etc. The list could go on. Although I would have preferred to not get hurt, I am dwelling on what is in front of me rather than what I think I am missing out on. Just as Weston missed out on enjoying the snack he was given because he was so fixated on the old crackers, I wonder what blessings from God I don't enjoy because I am so focused on willing my own plan. I am currently refreshed and ready to jump into some very quality training. I am excited to look for how God answers my prayers better than I could even ask for in all aspects of my life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you"” Jeremiah 29:11-12

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine" Ephesians 3:20

THANK YOU

Earlier this week I was doing a workout and reflecting on the experience of the past few months. Looking back on my short history as a ‘professional runner’ the number of people who have supported my dream and invested in my running goals is no less than amazing. Even in the moments when I doubt myself, the fact that others are invested and believe in what I am doing makes it possible to push myself through the ‘tough’ days and believe that big things will come.

My college coach liked to challenge us to consider if our self-talk resembled how we would talk to a friend. Honestly, I am much more critical and doubting of myself than I would be to any friend. I often wonder why I see so much potential in others when they don’t see it themselves, then I soon realize I am the same way! I think it is necessary to surround ourselves with those that will speak truth to us and to help us truly see ourselves the way God sees us. With that in mind, I want to say thank you to everyone for the constant encouraging words, prayers, interest, and investment in my training. My interactions with everyone have been so reinforcing, I will continue to train hard and remind myself that others are interested in my training because they believe in me! THANK YOU!