(iPhone photo #36 in my 2012 365+1 project)
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31
This was the scripture at UBC this morning, and I decided to take it literally. I was hoping for the walking and not fainting part at the very least.
I’ve been so tired for so long — tired and anxious and overwhelmed. Lately, I’ve been trying to concentrate on physical fitness in hopes that this will help me feel less anxious and less tired. I’ve never been able to run in my life, but I sure would like to. I want to keep up with the happy people.
I set a goal of building up to walking six miles a day, but I had not yet made it that far even a single time since I started this at the New Year. Today I decided I would just do it. I went to the Longleaf Trace and walked three miles down the trail, thus forcing myself to complete six miles because there was no other way back to the car.
I was equal parts determined and uncertain. I wasn’t sure I could do either one — run and not be weary, walk and not faint. I was even feeling a little foolish for putting myself in this situation.
But then I saw this.
A natural cross, covered in jasmine and truly beautiful. It lifted my spirits. It made me feel like I might be on the right path after all.
And then I met these guys.
These two dogs were just hanging out on the trail, following various people. They decided they liked me, and they walked with me for a couple of miles before they saw a squirrel and ran off. They kept me going.
I didn’t do very much running, and I won’t say I didn’t get tired, but I did walk six miles without passing out. I actually felt pretty good by the end.
Maybe I’m on the right path after all.
