I've been running for years. Running as a kid in play, running track as a college student, running recreationally as a young adult. And then I ran away. Away from so many truths that I knew. Away from the path I should have been on. Away from my parents, away from life. Severe depression took over. Counselors and pills. Nothing worked. I ran all the way to Albuquerque, NM from Cambridge Springs, PA.
Though the move could have been a disaster, and some people might say it was. God had other plans for me. Over time, He ever so sweetly called me back to him. Back to the truth. I started running again, which is how I met my husband. I met some wonderful friends who mentored me and found a great church home. Eventually had my 2 children, my son born in 2000, my daughter in 2003.
Running stopped for me after my kids were born. Depression came back, strong and dark. Hopeless. Weak. Tired. If it weren't for the children, I would have given up.
God spoke again. With the help of a counselor at my church, I began to search the scriptures for truth, for hope, for life. God has come through time and time again. I must remind myself of that.
The Move: Albuquerque, NM to Hobbs, NM
I left my beautiful mountains. I left all that I knew. All my friends. My church. Despair tries to take over. I am armed with Scripture. I have fought this battle before. I will overcome, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The Birthday: The Big 4-0
Loneliness + inactivity = weight gain.
What can I do? My kids are still on the young side, and I homeschool them. I have no time to myself, and no spare income to go to a gym. I know, I used to run, I'll run.
5 minutes later I feel like a fool.
But I didn't give up.
A few months later I run a 5K in 31:36. Upset, because I wanted to run in under 30 minutes, I am determined to be faster. Fast forward 1 year later - 27:36 - a proud moment for me.
I'm not sure how it happened, but running became very spiritual for me. It is when I hear from God more clearly. My soul is ministered to as my body is pushed beyond what I thought it was capable of. Running brings into focus all that was not. Sometimes I just pray and praise as I run. Sometimes I pour out my heart as I run. Sometimes I listen to praise music and the words to the songs come to life with deeper meaning. "I'm breathing in your grace, I'm breathing out your praise."
