Sometimes there just isnt a Easier Route.

“All winged insects that go on all fours are detestable to you. Lev:11:20

I Thought I would run on the dirt roads today to get out of the blazing sun. By 7 am it was already 78 degrees out. 

Every part of that idea sounded inviting. The quietness of the dirt roads, the minimal traffic from cars, the shade covering the road and even the cooler temps were without question the route I wanted.

Only the first 10 minutes of Rood Rd was enjoyable. I was just embracing my brilliant plan when I slowly felt like I had just walked into a trap. 

I pictured my self as "Katniss" from The Hunger Games. I had just discovered this strategic plan to finish my last 5 miles and from the outside looking in it appeared perfect. It happened slowly...and suddenly it all went wrong.terribly wrong.

I found myself being bit and attacked by what felt like "Katniss's" TRACKER JACKERS! Bugs swarmed me. They were buzzing from all directions, running into me, getting caught in my hair, biting me and really irritating me. There was no way to get away from them. I even tried to out run them, but that only lasted a minute and I knew it was futile.

THE ONLY WAY TO GET THROUGH IT IS TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH IT!!

Devotion

James 1:3 "..because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Sometimes there is no easy route. There is no trap door, short cut ect.. No matter which direction we run there are obstacles that challenge us no matter what direction we go.  There is pain in every direction..it is inevitable. It going to hurt no matter what, But we have to remember that the only way we are going to get though it is to GO through it. I wanted to quit several times on that 3 mile stretch of dirt road. The Black flies were fierce. The pain from their bites left seering pain across my shoulders and back. My swatting was futile.  I knew it wouldn't last forever but at that direct moment it seemed like it was never going to end. 

This picture doesn't do it justice..the welts were everywhere.

As I was writing this at 8:30am I was thinking about Persevering. I was thinking about digging deep and getting through it. Never give up, and know that getting through our pain is so difficult but we are going to come out OK. 

But what I wasn't thinking about was my poor cousin "Kristin" who lost her Grandma today. I got the text a little while after I had closed down my laptop. My heart goes out to her and the Gaard family during their time of loss. Death is never easy. It hurts. So bad. 

They were just here visiting from Iowa. "Kristin" was sharing beautiful memories of her Grandma. These are memories she will treasure forever. Prayers go out to the family.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

Anita.."Katniss" want to be!