I will never be the same again

On Thursday last, it was a weird weather day...some sun, then clouds, then rain, then sun...typical spring I guess. For me, though, it was the first day since I've started working on running again that I really wanted to get out there. If you've followed my musings, you know that we live on a killer-hilly road, and running here brings challenges these legs are not yet up to. But I was motivated and wanted to see if I could do this smarter.  I wondered if I could plan wisely and work this road to my advantage without it besting me. I decided to walk the hilliest (is that a word?) part of the road, then begin the C25K workout while on relatively level ground.

I geared up.  iPod set with my Hillsongs "Shout to the Lord" CD, earphones in, shoes laced tight.  I took off.  Once beyond the sharpest inclines I tapped in.  The music took over.  I was moving and inspired at the same time.  Five minute warm up, then my first run.  WooHoo!  Walk, then run again...as it started to rain.  It was one of those raining-while-sunny moments.  And in my ears I began to hear...

"I will never be the same again.  
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk the path, I will run the race.  
And I will never be the same again."

I choked.  I dripped.  I cried with the rain.


"Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

"There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again."


It was an unexpected moment.  A blessing in the midst of hard work and rain.  I loved it so, I had to stop...and spin...and lift my hands to the heavens.  


I hope I will never be the same again.  I learned today from the writings of Pastor Scotty Smith of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN that, in the language of Scripture, a 50th year should be one's Jubilee year--"a year to be marked by grace, freedom and forgiveness".  This is my Jubilee year.  It started out with a bang in the freedom department as I was released from a job that robbed me of joy and almost robbed me of my health.  Grace continues to be poured into my life and I will try to continue to pour it out in the same measure to others, especially my family.  Forgiveness has become a way of life...a daily decision to let go, trust God, and love.  Who knew that a workout would be a wake-up to my soul?


My MMW today is still 183.  Could have something to do with eating out twice this past week and maybe celebrating with birthday cake yesterday.  Or, it likely is that it's that one week of the month (will it ever end???) where I'm sure I'll gain before I lose again.  No matter.  I'm seeing inches lost, my soul sweetly stretched, and blessings in the rain.