Trusting

Time has seemed to fly by while being on vacation in California. Katie and I have been able to spend time with Skip's family and we have treasured every minute. The rich conversations I have had with Skip's parents have shown me that the Lord has plans even when we feel we are depleted and unusable. Since arriving in California I have been coughing alot, a cough similar to the one I had when being re-diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My cough seemed to get progressively worse and I actually had to go to the ER and be treated. I am now taking steroids, anti-biotics and an inhaler.... I also injured my left foot while running and had to get a cortisone shot in my ankle and keep off it for 2 weeks. None of this was a part of "my plan".....yet, somehow the Lord has used it for His will, and allowed me to sit and be still and truly have quality time with Betty and Sam, Skip's parents. We have cried, laughed, questioned circumstances....and prayed together. This is where I see the hand of God. Praying with Skip's parents is our Father's will.....it is in these prayers that they and I find healing, comfort, peace and truly strength to lay all things before Him.

Sam and Betty are beautiful people who are hurting....they have lost both their sons in the last 6yrs. Sam is angry with God and has many questions....Betty aches and her heart is shattered..yet she is eager to pray and ask the Lord for His strength. They have been married for nearly 50yrs. Being with them and spending time with them is the very best...and yet it is also extremely hard...a double-edged sword. I look at them, watch them hold hands in the car...snuggle on the couch...remind each other to take his or her medicine...and I feel my eyes fill with tears, as I long for what they have. In the midst of aching for what I miss, I trust the Lord and I know He walks me thru each day and moment. My life is His.. the cost, for all of us, has been counted by Him, His provisions for us are the equipping we need to breathe deep, wipe away the tears, and fall to our knees as He shows us His beauty in the ashes.


My training has suffered...my prayer is that this week ahead will allow me to press into running again. My cough is improving and diminishing, all good signs and reasons to lace up my tennies!!

Gotta Run!