Running, Praying, and Writing

For the past several months I have run many, many miles indoors on our treadmill. I am extremely grateful for our treadmill in the climate controlled room equipped with fans and a TV with a DVR! Without the treadmill, I would have severely slacked off from running this winter. However, it is so, so nice to be running outside again! In addition to the race last Saturday, I have run outside 3 times this week, and it has proved to be so pleasant! There is something about running outside and breathing the fresh air that just clears my head. It is the very best stress reliever!

The first day I ran outside I listened to music. I enjoyed it, because I have not listened to my music in months. The next two days I left my music at home, and I used the time to just think. Think and pray. Although I can see all five of my children while I run at our city park, since I am running alone and they are either running too or playing on the playground nearby, I feel like I am really alone. No one is talking to me, and I can think! I like to spend a good portion of my running time (without music) to just pray. I begin by praying for Jimmy and then I move on to each child. Next I pray about whatever is causing me anxiety at the time.....remembering the Scripture, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

After this, I pray for each person that I see walking on the track. Everyone is going through a difficult time of some sort, or has an important decision to make, or is suffering physically. Everyone has a story, and I know everyone could use someone praying for them! So I pray for them.....the elder couple creeping around the track, the man walking with his walker, the young teenage girls texting while walking, the young man running, the young mother dealing impatiently with her tired child, the young lady smoking while walking, and the grandmother walking with her grandchildren.

Then my mind wanders to my blog. I compose many of my posts while running. I think about what our family has done recently that I need to record so I don't forget. I think about what would encourage my friends, both real-life friends and my new online friends. My thoughts flow so freely while I am running, and I wish I had my computer with me! I have enjoyed blogging so much. This month is my 2 year anniversary of blogging. I have really not had any specific mission for this blog. I just enjoy recording my family's happenings and sharing what's on my mind. I like to write. I do not consider myself a good writer, but I do enjoy getting my thoughts on paper.