Oh how I've longed for this day! I never fail to be amazed

Thank you Jesus for this beautiful day.  Not only is the weather about as perfect as it can be on this side of heaven, but, I was also blessed this morning with an incredible run.  My pace was comfortable, my music motivating, the air was cool & crisp, the sky blue and the scenery divine. 

(this was actually taken a couple of weeks ago)

Yes I did have the occasional dog off his leash to contend with and the car driving a bit to close for my comfort.  But I've long to run without completely sucking wind and without my legs screaming for me to stop the entire way.  For it to feel near effortless.  I 've had those types of runs in the past.  I really never thought I'd have them again though. 

Just 6 months ago I couldn't run a mile continually.  Now I'm running for 40 minutes non-stop & almost 3 miles.  I could even probably go farther but a knee injury has my doctor asking me to keep my mileage low for the next month.  A difficult undertaking since my rediscovered love is reemerging.  I do have a goal of completely running the Indianapolis Half Marathon in October.

I stopped running after an injury nearly had me looking at surgery on my Achilles tendon.  I then got a career, got married & had kids.  Life was is busy.  However, I've discovered that running & busyness don't have to be mutually exclusive.  If you want it bad enough you will carve out the time.  Just like I'm learning to do with my King. 

I'm not always consistent about having quiet time, but, I sure am ready to know his insights.  I'm discovering just like any tangible relationship you have to invest quality time & effort.  I'm learning that if I want him to share his insights for living, raising children, having a happy home & successful marriage I have to take time to listen to Him.   He is not a shouter though, he doesn't even raise his voice.  If you want to hear him you have to get still & be quiet.  A tall order for the once professional talker school teacher.  So I take it one day at a time and minute by minute, just like with my running.  I carve out my quiet time during naps or after the kids are in bed for the night.  I take a bible with me everywhere so I can read while waiting for appointments, etc.  No not a paper bible, I'm fortunate enough to have a smart phone and have several translations downloaded.  So I can have His word with me anywhere & anytime, since I'm rarely more than a few feet away from my phone (which also serves as my stopwatch/personal trainer & our home phone). 

All this being said I want to encourage others to take on the challenge of finding time for the important things in life.  The truly important things like your relationship with Jesus, your family, friends & serving others.  In the end its not what you know but Who you know that is going to matter.  what does God reveal to me during my runs that be consistent even if you're slow but at least steady will result in positive improvements. 

That those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.  They shall mount up on the wings of eagles.  Isaiah 40:31