Ramblings about Life, Running, Adoption, and other Deep Thoughts

Hebrews 12:1-3 "...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

I did a 22 mile training run this morning as part of my training for the marathon for adoption (http://www.chosenmarathonforadoption.com/) that we are running at the end of the month.  For me, long runs, alone tend to lend themselves to deep thoughts. This morning, while running for 3 hours and 22 minutes, I spend a lot of time thinking about why I'm running, what it has to do with the adoption adventure we are experiencing, and how that relates to life in general.

Today's run was rough on me... not just because it was 22 miles long, but because the weather was less than ideal (38 mph winds, 88% humidity, 73 degrees...any runner will tell you this is not ideal running weather).  So, today's run was a test of endurance and perseverance for me.  As I ran, I thought about how life really is an endurance race.  Sometimes the race of life means working hard over time, other times the race means waiting patiently over time.  I've never been great at either.  I want what I want when I want it.  While I think this is true of most of us, growth means working through this.  And, for me, joy and peace come as I surrender this desire. 

This is one of the biggest things running has taught me.  God has used long distance running to help me learn endurance, perseverance, and taking life "one step at a time."  I can't start a marathon focusing on mile 26 or I wont take the 1st step... it will be too overwhelming.  And, this same attitude is the one that I must have as I approach anything big in life. 

So, how does adoption fit into this? Its a long road. Right now, I am having to persevere in waiting patiently for the news that we can travel to meet a child who I feel bonded to, despite the fact that I know nothing about this child.   Waiting is hard.  It is hard on the whole family.  Dylan asks regularly, "Can we go meet the orphan today?"  Maddie had a bad dream the other night that someone else took her brother or sister in Russia.  My human nature that wants things in my time wants to know when the next step is so I can plan accordingly.  But, just as I must approach a long distance run one step at a time, I must face this journey toward our child in Russia one day at a time.  Its a hard lesson to learn but one worth challenging myself with.  God's promise is that I fix my eyes on Jesus and His plan each step of the way, I will not grow weary or lose heart.