One foot in front of the other

Update on my running:  the two-a-days with Monchi didn't really work out.   My knees, sassy mouth, ankles and attitude really couldn't hack it.   But the one-a-days with me, myself, and I- those are still going onward.    I'm not good at it.   I don't exactly enjoy it.  But I feel better about myself....and I feel the tendrils of anxiety that tighten around my neck slipping away when I'm out huffing away, feet pounding on the gravel or rocks or sidewalk or wherever I am.   Just trying to keep it one foot in front of the other.

It helps that I live in possibly the most gorgeous place ever.   I don't look around a whole lot, because I'm trying to watch my feet and the road and make sure I don't fall on my face.   The streets here aren't exactly friendly to runners, and although the track is nice-  I loathe circling the same scene again and again and again with about 200 Dominicans staring at me wondering why I run so slowly.  :)   But when I do put my head up and check out what is around me..... I'm reminded that it's part of why I'm out here plodding away, sucking in air and pushing myself.  It's beautiful.  It clears my head.   It shows me again how stunning God's creation here in San Juan IS and how blessed I am to see it.   Below are a few of the scenes that I get to experience, when I'm not tripping over myself.

This is my screen saver right now.  I just. cannot. believe. I. live. here.  Look at those mountains. 

Outside the Guesthouse and clinic at 730 pm.  

Ahhhh the statue at Comemoros or San Tome.   Exactly one mile from my abode.  And three times around the park is another mile.  Baseball field across the street.  Outskirts of San Juan on the way to Las Matas or El Cercado.   I like it here.  

The road I'm on.   It's been rocky lately, both physically and emotionally.  I've been anxious- I've been stressed- I've been tired.   We've had off from teams the last 3 weeks and only this week have I felt the tension seeping out of me.   I'm working on trying to do the things that bring me JOY.  Watching baseball with Monch,  playing dominos, visiting friends,  reading books,  checking out movies, seeking and talking with Jesus, puttering with my balcony plants.     Putting one foot in front of the other.  Simple stuff.    Just like running.  One foot in front of the other.   Walking when I need to.   Plodding most of the time.  Waiting for that feeling that I can RUN now.  And sometimes I can.   Sometimes I can even go farther than I thought I could.    The feeling of exhilaration in THOSE moments  is enough to keep me going even when I'm exhausted....knowing it will come.  And that is just like life.  I KNOW the times of exhilaration are coming.    I know there is a finish line and I'm in my race and sometimes plodding, sometimes walking and sometimes FLYING.    

2Tim 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:26
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

Scripture says we are to "run with patience (endurance, persistence) the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith ... For consider Him that endured ... lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Heb 12:1-3)      I'm wearied.  I'm faint in my mind.  But I want to continue with endurance and persistence the race set before me.   Maybe plodding.  Sometimes flying along.   But looking to Jesus to walk or run alongside me.    One foot in front of the other.