26.2

I’m at mile 20 of blog posts now. My goal on 11/4/17 was to write daily as my evening prayer. At the time I didn’t know how long I would write. Eventually I set a goal of one year so I could attain the goal and help form a habit of evening prayer. After one year my evening prayer will carry on in a different form, and I’ll continue to write; not as a daily discipline, but as the Spirit moves me.

I have enjoyed sharing my story. Some days I don’t feel like writing, but I do it anyway because I know this kind of discipline builds endurance. It seems a bit like how a marathon runner might feel when training for and running the race. At times I’ve become dry and lack creative thoughts, but while “training,” I quench my thirst with living water. What am I training for? I am training to be God’s disciple, living and sharing God’s love in the world.

Each runner has a story. They might be running in memory of someone, or just to prove they can do it, but something keeps them going. I’ve heard that some runners write messages on their arms with a Sharpie; some including a reminder of their hoped-for end time. What sustains me? The memories and stories of what God has done in my life are written on my heart. That is a part of me that will never leave. You, my cloud of witnesses, also sustain me by cheering and urging me on in ways you don’t even know. And for that I am grateful.

…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1