Thankfully, after training for the 1/2 marathon for the past few months and finally reaching my goal...I am confident that I can make it through almost anything! I was asked to write an article about my experience before, during, and after the 1/2 for the Worthington Christian newsletter. Below is the article if you're interested. It sums up everything!
A Renewed Strength
As the soreness and hand-written verse (Isaiah 40:31) on my arm fade, the realization of what I have done begins to settle. May 7, 2011, a date that has loomed over me for months, taunting me with its proximity, particularly in the few weeks which preceded it, had finally arrived.
This journey, however, had begun eight years prior, after logging nearly 13 years of dance, softball, and golf experience. On a typical December day, only hours away from a new year, my life changed in a matter of seconds when I collapsed from what I was later told was a culmination of years of knee damage that would require reconstructive surgery. I remember thinking that there is nothing more humbling than having to re-learn to walk, a task that entailed much dependence on others. I longed for the day that I would be free from the crutches, the braces, the stares from strangers and even the scars that were left behind. After physical therapy throughout high school and college, I vowed that this would not be a set-back, but rather my motivation to work twice as hard to accomplish my goals.
Fast-forward over 8 years, to a sunny day on the 7th of May, to find me standing amidst a crowd of nearly 12,000 strong, all waiting to hear the sound of a bull-horn, signaling the epitome of months, even years, of blood, sweat and tears.
The horn sounded and the Capital City 1/2 Marathon had begun; there was no turning back. I began to settle into a natural pace and my anxiety subsided. I couldn't stop smiling as I was reminded of the magnitude of what God had done in my life over the past 8 years. I had come to truly know Him through what had seemed like a debilitating event at the time.
As the race carried on, I relished cheers from family, friends, and even complete strangers. I rounded the corner to begin the last 3 miles of this journey and was humbled by the sense of dependence that I was now so thankful for. As someone who runs in order to experience liberation, I realized that is was in this moment, when I ached from head to toe and wanted more than anything to cross the finish line, that God had carried me to this point and would continue to do so. I had been wrong all of these years; there is nothing more humbling than running, not walking, towards the finish line, knowing that you are running towards a prize that cannot, and will not fade.
"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."
Praying for Summer,
Ms. Phillips
No comments:
Post a Comment