Out into the biting cold, muscles aching, fumes choking, and not quite sure which direction to go. I catch my thoughts ‘why am I doing this?’ Then after a while I found the guild wheel route that I used to run and that took me away from the fumes of the traffic and into the green park and I found my rhythm again.

Sometimes we need reminding of the glory ahead and the blessings that have already been given. My life has been a rollercoaster since Jesus found me but sometimes, when times get hard or days are a struggle, I forget what has been done for me and I lose that edge of hopefulleness. I forget the vision given to me of a cornfield I was to walk out into to reap with Jesus at my side. I almost forget the friends left behind who encouraged me, poppies for our departed friends, and golden corn for the treasure in front of us.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.…

As I started back my leg got caught in some thorns that lay across the path and it took some time to get free leaving a nasty gash across my leg.

I thought about Jesus who had such torment to endure, and he knew what he was about to endure, that he still chose to endure that for me and you.

Dear Lord, you endured the cross and I could never endure anything so painful but give us all strength to endure and walk through the darkness to the light, always bringing light to all who are tormented.

Amen