Wonders

 "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done...." 

Psalms 40:5

Andy and I set out for a little camping weekend, to a place close yet far enough to feel different, Frankenmuth. 

We don't require much to be content, and it is often the simplest things that bring us the most joy. We had great company with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law camped right next to us and waiting our arrival when we got there. 

We enjoyed heartfelt conversations around campfire, games with bantering and ridiculous competition, (Andy does NOT like to lose) and great meals. 

Wonders of laughter and love.  

Saturday morning, I set out on a long solo run. My pack was filled with water, nutrition, and food for a 20-miler. I would leave Birch Run and head towards Frankenmuth with no design or map, just where the Lord took me. 

I didn't want to get myself in trouble because Andy was golfing with the boys in Vassar. 

For the next few hours, I was alone with my thoughts, praying for the Lord's preservation and sustenance. With each passing mile, my thoughts deepened. Despite the rising temperatures, I felt contentment, even as the beads of sweat trickled down my face. 

"Methinks that the moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow."

 -Henry David Thoreau

Wonders from my Yesterdays.

I reflected on the past 5 years, then went even deeper, marveling at the WONDERS the Lord has performed in my 50 years on this side of eternity. I had plenty of time to recall the places the Lord has led me from and the destinations He's brought me to. 

Wonders of the Heart. 

It's a matter of the heart where our thoughts go and how we define it. I remember all the difficult places I've been, the challenging faces I've encountered, and I smile. It was another WONDER from the Lord-the ability to not dwell in negativity but to embrace the beautiful WONDERS of His unfailing love for me. 

RUNDOWN: 

Psalm 40:5

"Many, O Lord my God are the wonders which You have done. And Your thoughts toward us; 

There is none to compare with You. 

If I would declare and speak of them, 

They would be too numerous to count."

Each mile I run is a wonder. With as many setbacks, surgeries and injures I have had, I was reminded of all the WONDERS the Lord has blessed me with. I could have settled into the "whoa is me" mode and never ran another mile and I think it would have been justified. But the Lord was still passing out WONDERS for me. 

I encourage you to not neglect seeing the WONDERS around you. Let your heart wander to a place of contentment, NOT comparison, NOT competition, but truly a place of gratitude, peace and thankfulness.

July1-7=70miles

Still feeling the recovery from my 100. I am not working on speed, just getting my distance. But I am enjoying my runs. My runs with friends have brought me laughter and adventure. I am not taking my runs too serious but seriously having fun. 

In Peace, not Pieces, 

Anita