Another First Together
Running is something I love. It is time to think, time to look up at the beauty of God’s creation, time to just be, and time to sweat. All of those things I love. When I was diagnosed with my heart condition, one of the most frustrating moments was when I was told I couldn’t do any physical activity. After open heart surgery, I was encouraged to exercise to keep my heart strong, but I could never do any race or organized sport/exercise. I have to have the ability to stop at any moment. One thing I have always wanted to do was a race. By saying a race, it makes it sound like I run to get a good time. I cannot even list that as a reason I run. I honestly had no clue (until today) how fast I run because I never wear a watch. When I run, it’s time for me and God.
Now living in a new town and learning about all that goes on here, we have learned that they celebrate the 4th with a bang! They go all out here and it’s a lot of fun. One of the things they do in the morning, is the Freedom Fun Run, where you can either walk a mile or run 2.5 miles. I asked Dan if he would do it with me since it’s not a race, and he agreed! Granted Dan hasn’t run in like 6 years, but he’s one of those people that can just run a few miles when asked (makes me sick honestly to think he can do that!). I knew this was the perfect opportunity to do a “race” but not be held to a time – it was a FUN run.
I was thankful we could do it together, as this is the first “race” we’ve ever done. By all means it was not in record time – I believe we ran a 10 minute mile. I know to some, you probably laugh, but as we were walking home, I just kept telling Dan how BLESSED I felt to be able to even run with a heart condition. My heart is not top notch – so to be able to even exercise, let alone RUN, is something I will never take for granted. I know this probably sounds so cheesy in some people’s eyes, but this was a monumental moment for me – something I’ve always wanted to do – run in a “race.”
It is with a grateful heart and also a privilege that we have the ability to exercise, get out in God’s creation, and run.
A rather proud moment, as this was our first.
After the run
Our t’s for crossing the finish line
Thank you once again for sharing your heart with us! So glad we could provide you with a "Fun Run" and be used by God to bless you today! Thank you also for blessing CMCS by your participation. Even though you talk about you and Dan racing, there were 715+ who were racing/walking with you to support CMCS! Your "First" is also a blessing to that family that is in need of tuition assistance or a bus ride to school. Amazing how God accomplishes so much through the corporate working of His people!
Your story also brought a tear to my eye as I also sit here reflecting on Elias and his heart. So happy he could compete this year as well! We anxiously await his July 31 appointment to hear what the Dr.s have to say about his 6 month Echo-Cardiogram. The tech that did the test said he notices some leaking, but couldn't tell if it was good or bad because he has no records of where Elias was at after his surgery.
Day by day. Faith in Christ. All is well.
Kevin
Thank you for your message Kevin! That is crazy that 715+ ran/walked today! That is mind-boggling to even think about! And for such a good cause- a cause we believe in :). I too, think of Elias as he has so much ahead of him yet. What will his life look like? What does God have in store for His future? That is where the comforts of Heidelberg Catechism 1 comes in – we are not our own, but belong BODY and SOUL to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ. I bet July 31 cannot come sooner. May God give you peace of mind and heart as you anticipate that time. Keep me posted! You and Jen are amazing people 🙂