Journal Entries

For 2013, I want to start sharing some of the things I've written in my journal.  I completed my 3rd half marathon on December 1, 2012.  This is what I wrote in my journal on that morning:

Race Day!
Dear God,
You can see me this morning - nerves and all! God, I pray that I will honor and glorify you as I run this race. It's unto You.  Let me run with perseverance the race set out for me. Let me run and not grow weary. Let me walk and not faint. Help me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.  God-what do you want me to learn about You today?

 God answered my prayer!  Here is what I wrote on Monday, December 3rd:

How is a half marathon like our spiritual journey?

• We all start at the same place (even if some start further back than others...)
• You can start to feel weary even at the beginning (but it's easier to push through because you're not exhausted yet!)
• There are others running the race that are pretty annoying; their sweaty arms might brush against mine.  But I forgive them.  Why? Because I realize that we are all working our booty off for one common goal: to finish this race!
• It doesn't matter what language you speak.  Anyone can run.  (In fact, there were 2 people from China running, and I overheard them speaking Chinese to each other on the course.)
• The water/Gatorade stops are like an oasis in the desert.  Oh, how wonderful to see that table with drinks!  Take a rest if it's offered, but get back into the race quick!
• You get really, really, really tired. And hungry!!! Your tummy makes noises that tell you to please feed it.  Your whole body hurts.  At some point, it doesn't matter if you run or walk - both hurt so much.  You must keep going.  Because there IS a finish line. You may have not seen it, but you know it's there.  Close to the end of the race, you see people that have already crossed the finish line.  They come back to the sidelines to cheer you on.  They are smiling, and look so happy!  So you keep pushing, because you know you'll get there, too.
• There are people holding signs along the path.  Some are meant to encourage you.  Some are just ugly.  Ignore the ugly (they will zap your energy if you dwell on them) and open your heart to the lovely (they will give you a shot of energy to keep going).

Thank you, God!