Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Thirsty Thursday

Well this week has been tough for me. There have been some major changes in my life in the last month or two and I have been pushing through but for some reason this week is all hit home. LONG STORY! Changes can be challenging and tough but often bring about growth. What you leave behind is still there and good but maybe not what you need. Kind of feels like a loss of sorts. As I have been dealing with that "life" stuff...it has affected my running.

So the last two days I have been hard on myself and doubting that I have the discipline needed to train for my second marathon. My Coach picked up on my feelings and suggested that maybe I run a more local marathon. Eugene was in my heart but to experience it alone and without family was started to bother me. I chose Eugene for many reasons but one is that I want to be successful. I have friends running a local one in May in Spokane. You may know one...bathing suit model, speedster and amazing athlete Blonde Ponytail.

This has got me thinking again. Why am I so worried about failing? I mean...I am running a freaking marathon!!!!!! How can I fail? So as I was grumbling about the house, it was time to help Lovely L study her verse for AWANA.

Here's the verse

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

UMMMMMMM.....OK. My bad!

This struck a cord and really just made want to cry...to release the stress, the loss, the fears. All I need is God's grace and his power is made perfect in my weakness. WOW!! I like the idea of the power of Christ resting on me. Such a warm picture of strength and protection. Sharing your weakness and ALLOWING yourself to be WEAK leaves you vulnerable or gives you freedom?

I want to hold these words in my mind and heart and those moments when I let fear take over or I get in my funks...I can remember that God's grace is all I need! Modeling for my kids is huge...and I want them to know who and what my POWER source is!

What do you think? How does this verse speak to you? Do you share your weakness?
Why or why not? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thinking about this verse and having good cry....and I feel much better~

This morning I ran my 12 X 200 HILLS and felt strong! So I thinking....Windermere Marathon 5/12 may be in my sights....I think I will sleep on it!

8 comments:

Marlene said...

I hope everything turns out for the best for you!

Anonymous said...

I love this verse! I've been very humbled this week in facilitating mom's tea and sharing my weaknesses. Thanks for sharing, keep it up friend!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Personal stuff is hard to turn off..BELIEVE me I can totally empathize.. You are STRONG, physically, mentally and spiritually.. Believe in yourself and let your SPARK (see Blog today) shine.. Pray about it and I know the answer will come to you..

And hey you have not done a WA Marathon yet, so it would add to your overall State count..

I am not saying what you should do, but as your Coach I KNOW that you need to be excited for what is to come..

If you and Jess train together we can merge your plans so you match.. Just a thought..

Love ya!!- Mel (AKA Coach)

Molly said...

Thanks for posting that verse! I've been struggling the past couple days with MY weaknesses and this gave me hope! Thanks!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

Thank you for your sweet (slightly exaggerated) description of me! Remember, you are the one that got me running--what a gift.

I didn't realize you had been battling with some personal "stuff" lately--let's meet up for a run--chat it out.

I remember during our marathon #1 training when you said, "I don't want to forget why I run--for the enjoyment--I don't want it to be a chore."-or something to that affect. I thought that served as a great reminder throughout training. Run b/c you love it.

This verse truly speaks to me--God doesn't measure us like we do ourselves. We are weak--as much as it pains us to admit--but that allows us to rely ever more on His strength.

Thinking of you Brunette Pony!

Unknown said...

I think when running train, we think of the BIG races. The ones that people know by first name only. Eugene, Boston, Badwater...

They're right up there with Oprah, Madonna, Elvis.

Because when we say we're training for the Spokane marathon, people are like "what?"
Sometimes we can feel we're not legitimate or "enough" unless we're doing something big. So we knock ourselves out to do it, not realizing that a marathon - any marathon - is a huge thing.

Christ is enough. If you NEVER ran again. Never ran another mile....He'd still be enough. He'd still love you the same. Though other people may be disappointed and say 'its such a shame' He would still love you.

You are more than the races you've run, or the miles on your shoes.
So run a race because its FUN, and because its a way to fellowship and bond with others, because its a goal and a personal challenge.

And those purposes can be met with smaller, obscure, local races just as much as with the Big Kahunas. :-)

Stay thirsty! You're an inspiration!

Ramblin' On said...

Shoot lady. You've been going through stuff too and I've been wallowing in my own insecurities. Take heart and your direction to turn it over to God is a great plan. I think what works for me is to turn it over to HIM and then get outside of myself. You are great at this-and if you're not, give me a call.

Anonymous said...

Great verse! Good luck, and I'll be thinking of you!