It H U R T S

It's hard to lead when you're not following. God is making that uncomfortably obvious today as I struggled through my run. I'm in pain. My body aches, my thoughts are muddied, and my spirit is suffocating.

Too many parts of my life feel out of control and I've been trying to self-medicate with sugar, carbs, a puppy, and Jesus. Hey, great, at least Jesus made the list. I admit at least I'm not trying to do it ALL on my own. Pat self of self-righteous back.

I'm reading a spiritual leadership book with a group of other Compassion advocates. It's good stuff and the highlighter is getting lots of use. I'm keeping up (within a day or two) of my daily Bible reading. I'm on track to finish my Beth Moore Bible study for the week by Wednesday's group. Gooooo Me!

Eleven days ago I turned 40. I'd given up my "fabulous by 40" fantasy months ago. It was obvious that my lack of exercise this summer topped off by a road trip killed that dream. I killed that dream. Yet I still want to put on my running shoes and prance through 5 easy miles. When I lay in bed at night and imagine myself running...it seems so easy. That's what I want - easy. Pain is hard. It's painful. It makes me breath funny.

The physical manifestation of living my life out of God's control is controlling me. My soul is not at rest and when silly things like my dog getting a bad haircut happen, my family witnesses me sprawled out on the floor whining like a three-year-old.

I'll admit it's not just a sugar addiction, lack of exercise, and a botched "puppy cut" that have me spinning. Life throws some incredible curve balls sometimes and the day after my 40th surprise birthday party was a doozy. From the highest of highs to the depths of despair in a matter or minutes. Our family framework was fractured. So I have a right to wallow. To pout. To sit and stare and wonder, "What God? What now?"

Like the Psalmist I cry out for God to remember, rescue, and redeem. I trust that He will. It's time to put down the cookie and pick up the pace.

Happy New Year It's September

My blogging muscles have atrophied over a season of chaos and little time given to center myself on my thoughts or disciplines. I've let my poor eating habits pop back up in the name of "summer fun." Exercise has been nearly non-existent and my legs often feel restless and achy from the lack of use. My mind wonders to the times when I ran and ran and felt blissfully exhausted and satisfied. For all the freedom the summer brings, I regret the way I have let good intentions simply be that - intentions.

So welcome to the New Year. September 4. The day when I traditionally let go of the "I should really..." and embrace the "have to's". If there ever was a deadline and a date to grasp opportunities, this is it. School started today and this means one thing - routine. With this routine comes a framework for making good choices, starting fresh, the excitement of time management, and the thrill of multi-tasking. I'm ready to jump in with both withered legs and give this year my best.