Mile 8

Yesterday's sermon was all about encouragement, and it really hit me hard. I learned a long time ago that my primary love language is Words of Affirmation. I am easily discouraged and tend to give up on things too soon. Running has magnified this tendency and my need for encouraging words. But encouraging words go a long way. I am a slow runner, so taking on a half marathon seemed lofty. Less than two weeks before my race, I got a slight knee injury. Since there wasn't enough time for it to heal, I was in a lot of pain during the entire run. I was cold, wet and hurting. I was mad at myself for deciding to do something that I'm not even good at and wanted to give up. But I will never forget one lady at the water station around mile 8. There were lots of volunteers and people cheering us on the whole way, but she was just what I needed at exactly the time I needed it. She stood on the corner, clapping and yelling "You can do it! We are SO proud of you!!" I cried. At the lowest point in my run, she was there to emotionally pick me up and give me what I needed to go on.

I want to be that Mile 8 Lady for my friends and family. I have so many amazing, talented people around me that I take for granted. I have super kids who have all the potential in the world. I have a husband who loves taking on challenges and exhibits such admirable determination. I have a hard working mother who never stops loving. I have a best friend who "sparkles." And that's just a few of the people in my life. I want to be the girl that makes you feel like you can take on the world when you're with me. I want to remember the positives in each situation. Being the Mile 8 Lady is committing to an attitude and lifestyle. It's remembering that each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God.