Master 5 (aka Joel) was so funny, he took off at a pace that was too fast and we had to move quickly to stay pace with him, at 2km however it call caved in "Mum, my legs were so fast to start but they ran out!", this meant I didn't get to run as much as I felt able but to have him finish with me was beautiful. At about 3km he came close and put his arm around me and said "I love you mum" - he is a heart melter!!! I think it was code for 'I am tired so I don't want you to run".
There were others who were an encouragement and motivation:-
- It was also lovely to have Jess, who sprained her ankle earlier in the week, running and encouraging the younger kids to keep going;
- Jake, even though he had a very late night, got up and smashed it;
- Gina, who has had surgery recently, was there and encouraged me along with her friend Shirley. It was lovely to walk and chat with new friends, particularly at the start line as it distracted me from doubting myself & getting anxious;
- A text message from Karen wishing me all the best;
- When I got back to my car I had a lovely encouraging message from my new friend I met via this journey, Ally.
- The encouragement on the photos etc. today has me smiling all the more.
I must say having achieved this goal when a week ago I truly doubted my ability to do so is a bit like finishing a marathon - to some it may be small but for me and the battles I have faced over the past month - its an Everest moment !!! I must say I feel just a bit proud of myself and feel like I have won a personal battle. Thank you LORD.
My next major goal is 10km in July, however I have decided to tackle another challenge in May - 15km (in 5 hours - so I can walk)! The exciting thing is I BELIEVE I can achieve both these goals.
What this all means is that I feel reinvigorated and ready to take on this journey with the exuberance I started in January (this had waned significantly in February).
A change in my head has also occurred this weekend (its one of those times), I read an article "Eden: a sex slave's story", (click on link to read) to say the story is heartbreaking is an understatement - what is did do is give me a perspective of a "challenge" that is totally out of someone's control. It has had me thinking and putting my health and fitness challenge in perspective - this is totally in my God given abilities to control - those poor beautiful girls once they are trapped have absolutely "no control" over their situation.
Since reading the story (and commencing the video which is very hard to watch, I have had to take a break) I have been constantly thanking God for my circumstances but also praying for those beautiful girls and asking God what can I do? I don't have an answer yet but something I did think when I set out this morning, I am running for my health and fitness, these girls would do anything to be able to run for their lives.
My goal over the coming weeks as I get back on track with my journey is to:-
- Pray for these girls every day I do my run, the more runs I do the more prayers going up for them - that is a motivator;
- Thank God for all he has done for me, be thankful for my circumstances;
- Pray for protection over my children and those around us;
- Ask God to show me a way to try and help these girls who are rendered helpless;
- Thank God for the amazing people he has already raised up who are attempting to help these girls - with God nothing is impossible;
- This is the hardest one - pray for the sick and sad people that do these crimes - that they will encounter Jesus in their lives and realise that they don't need what they are doing they need a Lord and Saviour;
It hard to describe how achieving a simple goal has motivated to tackle more challenges. I feel great and positive right now and that I can achieve anything!!!
Watch out everyone
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH
- Phil 4:13
I've been thinking about you lots since you last wrote here, so it was great to read another post! Well done for achieving your goal! Love how you share your faith in this journey and where that is leading. Exciting times ahead!
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