Prior to beginning my training, I noticed that my knee would feel weird after a workout. I ignored it {because that's what I do} and started my running training. After runs, my knee would ache and feel tight, but after walking it out it would feel better.
Almost two weeks ago as I was cooking dinner, I had a stabbing pain that stopped me in my tracks. I had no choice but to listen to it. Thankfully, my husband is a Physician Assistant and specializes in orthopedics. When he came home, he examined it and told me I was slowly breaking my bone and I had to stop ALL activity for at least two to three weeks. Not what these training for a half marathon ears wanted to hear!
I walked around that night focused on my knee. I was silently feeling sorry for myself and wondering how in the world I was going to keep my training on course.
As I layed in bed that night, I picked up a book I had ordered and began reading it. God knew I was going to need that book that very day!
To order this book, please click here.
The author of this book is a beautiful child of God. She is battling terminal cancer, a mama to 4, a cherished wife, and a lover and truster of Jesus. She had much to teach my inwardly focused heart.
I could not put this book down. In fact, I read it in a day and a half. My heart aches for her, but I did not walk away in despair. She approaches life and God in a way that brings hope and healing. While her life story is not one she would choose, she embraces it and uses it to share the love of Jesus. Yes, she cries and wishes she could raise her babies until her head is full of gray hair and she has spent many years on this earth. But she knows that God's plans are perfect and she is confident that He will hold her loves as she relocates to her eternal home.
This book reminded me that it is not my knee, training for a half marathon, or anything else that brings pleasure that is important. What matters is the love that we share with others, the time we spend with our loves, and the glory we bring to our Creator each and every minute we breathe on this earth.
When our focus is on Jesus, everything else falls perfectly in place. We no longer look to people or things to shape our lives, we look to Him. No diagnoses, messy house, unkind person, overall bad day, etc. can change who we are in Him and the promises He has for us.
I am grateful to Kara Tippitts for sharing her story and love for Jesus. She is definitely a faithful servant.
It no longer matters if I run the half or not. What matters is that I'm a child of Jesus. He has given me a beautiful life to live. It is not defined by anything but His love and my ability to share it openly and live life in abundance. None of us knows how many breathes we have left, but we can be confident that Jesus is faithful and will take care of everything.
May we be purposeful and leave our worries and fears at His feet. May our trust in Him outweigh any fears or disappointments that we carry.
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Wherever life finds you, may you always find yourself wrapped in His perfect love.
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold on to the confession of hope without wavering. For He that has promised is faithful.
Sending my love to all -
xoxo
