Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Pardon the Cheese


So, I ran a half-marathon. To keep from being terrified, I kept reminding myself that it couldn't possibly be any worse or and longer than Reillee's birth (2:27:00). Indeed it wasn't nearly as bad or as long (2:14:50). The incessant running over the last three months paid off, which led me to wonder briefly if I should train for labor as conscientiously as I did for the race. Then again, nevermind. I don't practice torture, I'd rather be shocked into submission.

Anyway, I ran the first half of the race with my sister-in-law and it really was thoroughly enjoyable. She stopped at one point for water, and I ran on ahead. At about the 10th mile I was asking myself, once again, "Why did I sign up for this?" Just then, I looked up from my dragging feet to see my FATHER running toward me on the trail.

In an instant, I had a flashback to a youth conference some 14 years ago. One of the activities was repelling. It took lots of cajoling to get me over that cliff, but when I finally started my descent I looked down to see that it was my FATHER holding my rope.

In both cases, I did not know my dad would be there, yet I should not have been suprised.

The parallels I could draw from these two experiences are many, but what I learned 14 years ago and have had reaffirmed so many times since, most recently and powerfully while running that race, is that our Father in Heaven is always there--holding our symbolic safety rope, or running beside us. Sometimes we just need to look up from our dragging feet and recognize His hand in our lives, continue to pray for His guidance, and thank Him for His constant watchful care. He knows and loves me, and all of us.

What an incredible lesson to be taught to me by my earthly father, though I'm sure it wasn't on purpose!

"Awww, dry your eyes!"

*witty sarcasm will return next post*

8 comments:

Kacey said...

Congrats on running a half marathon! I loved your analogy-thanks for sharing :)

tracie said...

Way to go!!!!! You almost drew a tear. Almost.

J Pelham Family said...

congrats! I am running one in oct (hopefully)

Jenna said...

Congrats! Running a half marathon is quite an accomplishment!! I miss you and hope that our paths will cross sometime, because its just been too long!

zekesmom10 said...

Beautiful Kirsten. And congrats on the half marathon!

Linds said...

Awesome! Wish I could have done it with you!

Ashlyn said...

Thank you for this post. I needed that reminder today. Crazy how that works, no?

Congrats on the half marathon! One of these days I'll run one... one of these days...

Bardsleyland said...

Go Kirstin! That's awesome.