Settle my Soul

 

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 

2 Thess 3:16

I have these moments I just want to run. I am not sure if I am running from something or to something. I am just sensory overloaded.  

Today, was one of those days. My mind was getting the best of me and I was struggling to tune out the chatter.  

I just wanted to find that place of silence, I wanted to hear the autumn breeze rustling the leaves, I wanted to hear my breath and feel my heartbeat. 

I wanted to feel empty. 

Depleted.

I wanted to be in that place of belonging. 

The place my soul speaks in the audience of ONE. 

I needed that sacred moment of silence to hear His words settle my soul and calm my spirit. 

My spirit called me outside to breath in His Glory, His Grace. 

I Ran. 

Outside, I felt the blistering wind try to cut through me, but I ran harder. Today, was my third day in a row running and the best my legs have felt in a long time. 

After a couple miles, I decided to GO FOR IT. I knew it was the Lord. I committed to running on His strength without fear. 

I wanted to run 10 miles sub 9min/mi. 

I haven't run this distance and pace for a while, ultra-running has you going long and slow. 

No Fear. 

His Strength. 

Every mile I heard the beep of my watch and praised God. 

I was running up and down the hills on N.Holly road and hitting my goal pace. 

When I got to 5 miles to turn around, I decided to go farther, another 1/2 a mile for a total of 11 miles. 

I turned around and headed up hill and felt the wind blow me sideways. 

Rise up girl, don't get discouraged. 

I picked up my pace concerned I was slowing down. I was running on about 2 feet of the road. The shoulder was snow covered and icy, running on the road was actually the safest option. As the cars came towards me, I would wave hoping they would give me grace and move over. 

At the top of a very large hill, with a blind spot, the traffic got heavy leaving me no place to run and nowhere for the cars to move over, I hugged the curb as far as I could trying to keep pace and not slip-on ice, but it was of no avail. My heart was racing trying to not get hit and I tripped over a patch of ice falling hard. I threw my left hand out in hopes to break my fall but the road ripped across my hands and legs. Cars were coming in all directions as I jumped quickly to my feet trying not to get hit. 

Like I had a turbo boost in me, I couldn't believe how quick I sprung to my feet. 

I didn't miss a beat, my adrenaline was pumping, my heart was racing, and I managed to keep my pace! 

I finished my 11 miles. My gloves have a few more holes but I DID it! 

There is a strength that only vulnerability knows. 

Today, there was a fear. maybe even a few fears. 

It's the Unknown. 

The Uncertain. 

The Mystery of the Undetermined Ending. 

Roughly 10 out from running 50 miles, my body has forgiven me and the Lord has redeemed me, granting me todays run. 

As I fell just a few feet from cars coming at me I couldn't stop smiling. Today wasn't the day that the Lord wanted me home.  

I giggled at what plans He still has for me. 

I praised Him for a good run, thanking him for His strength in me. 

Grateful He hears my soul cry out to Him, my passions and the desires of my heart. 

Today as I ran, my thoughts settled, the noise disappeared, and I could feel Gods tender touch calm my soul. 

Rundown: 

I texted Andy right after I finished, and he always encourages me. 

• Average heart rate: 150! 
• Average cadence: 184
• Maximum Elevation: 1,122ft

I am running the Turkey Trail Trot with my daughter Shelby on Thanksgiving! I am just so excited! Our first race together!

I may have bought a costume... Gobble Gobble!

In Peace not Pieces, 

Anita~