Yesterday I received my REI package (REI is my new favorite store!) in the mail with my new Fuel belt! It even has a place for my blackberry which makes Jeremy very happy. He hates me running without a phone on me. Yesterday he came home early so I could fit in a 10 mile run that was on the training schedule. I strapped on my new fuel belt and placed my phone in it's assigned spot! I never thought I would actually use my phone while running but then I remembered it's camera.
We live in town that once was nothing but farm land and corn fields. As you can see in the pictures, parts of it are still free and clear of dreaded new construction. This road I run up and down a lot. When you live in a small community, you have to get creative with running or you will get bored fast. This road has provided me with a few miles and then some. It's a road I can run a couple of miles or a lot of miles. If my mind can handle it, I will run it twice. I usually don't like to run anything twice in a run but this road has a slight incline which means the decline on the way back is very enjoyable!
Sometimes I turn off and go down another road very similar or I turn around and go towards home depending on the mileage required for that day. Yesterday afternoon, as I ran this road, I could feel God trying to get a hold of my thoughts. I was so distracted by some stuff flying around in my mind but finally, He got my attention. Suddenly my eyes saw beauty! The sky was a gorgeous blue and the road was empty. Every once in a while a car or motorcycle would zoom by but for the most part it was just me and the road. It was peaceful, quiet and comforting. I'm not sure my words can really explain what I felt but it definitely was a "God Stop".
As I traveled this road by foot, it became something more than just a road. Instantly I knew I had to take a picture. I wanted to capture what God was showing me. I'm still processing and trying to understand the meaning of some things I felt like the Holy Spirit was showing me. In fact, I will probably go back today or tomorrow on a run just so I can see if there is a "Part II".
I am such a work in progress and I am still hurting over my past. It may be the thorn in my side and never truly go away. But there is something in my pain that I know God wants me to grasp. He has so much for me. SO MUCH. He is so personal and so gentle. He truly is my friend. I've learn to cling to Him for everything and on this road I learned that sometimes He just wants to say something simple, yet miraculous. "Mandi, I love you. I am so proud of you. I am so pleased with you. Run this road like you KNOW that."
That's what this road for all of us is about.
4 comments:
How nice. I use to run and that was the enjoyable part you described. Just you, the pavement and God. It looks beautiful where you are.
I LOVE open roads. My mind goes to unimaginable places! What a beautiful route.
What a beautiful environment to be alone with God- wow! So inspiring. I love so much that God reminded you that we need to "run the road" like we know we are loved- just as we are, not when we are perfect, but as we are. I needed to hear that today.
Thanks.
Love it!
Do you carry mace?
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