Running Reflections

I've been thinking a lot lately about the great "race" that I have qualified to run. The race that Paul refers to so often in the New Testament. I've been feeling so deflated lately. Just so un-energized. For months now I've honestly been teetering on just giving up on everything "race" related. I'm slowly realizing why, as I begin to examine the vitals that will help me to persevere in the race.

The other day as I was out for my daily run, I was just struggling to get through. This was the week I had to double my running time from the week before. Day one was hard. I was into my last 4 minutes and my knees were aching, my calves were weakening and I was slowing way down and ready to just give up. I then felt the wind on my back and was suddenly reminded of this scene from the movie Facing the Giants. Now, I'm not one to even watch football movies, let alone remember anything from them. And I'd almost forgotten about this scene until it randomly came to mind while I was running. Thinking about it got me through my final 3 minutes.

What a beautiful picture of the Coach who stands beside us cheering us on to persevere as we head towards the finish line.

Turtle X-ing

Today I ran over a turtle on my way to work . . . . I couldn't swerve fast enough to miss him because I wasn't expecting a turtle to be out in the middle of the road, so I ended up nicking him with my tire. I heard a big 'thunk kutunk' under my car and then as I watched out my rear view mirror I saw the turtle traumatically bouncing off the road with his little tail or head peering out. . . or maybe those were his guts. I hope I didn't kill the poor guy. What the heck was a turtle doing all tucked into his shell in the middle of the highway??? Then again it was Milton. Being accustomed to city living, sometimes I forget that the turtles are still free to roam in the middle of the street in growing places like Milton. Perhaps a turtle X-ing sign should be put up.

Untactful Beef

My beef today goes beyond beef. Some people seriously have no tact. Today our family received photos in the mail. Photos from almost a year ago of our family standing by my grandmother's grave the day we buried her. First off, WHO takes pictures at a funeral???? Especially without the family's permission!!! It's not like everyone wants a photo of that moment so that they can look back and remember the pain, and sorrow. Who thinks that taking pictures of a family's private moment of grief is acceptable? Clearly there are people who do!!!! I don't know if the people who took the photos thought that we would appreciate them or what, but I seriously didn't need to see them. . . the details of that day are etched in my mind as it is thank you very much!! It's hard to know how to reply to such an untactful gesture.

Fajitas!!!

Yesterday morning, Achilles and Jen found out the sex of the baby they are expecting in August. So my sister puts Julia on the speaker phone to share the news with Me, Grandma and Bapa. Jen says, "Julia, tell Grandma, Bapa and Auntie what we're having!!" and Julia yells excitedly "Fajitas!!!" It took a few more minutes of careful prompting to get the real news out of Julia, but she finally shared. Looks like in August I'm going to be the proud Auntie of . . . Fajitas!! Yaaaay Fajitas!!