The greatest gift of all...

Each time I run I am overcome with gratefulness that I am healthy, and have legs that can run. And each time, I thank God. As I spent 65 minutes running this morning, thinking, thinking, and thinking some more about thoughts that led me to more thinking, I realized that God truly has a plan for everything. My darling husband led me to running as a main source of exercise. I used to hate it and the boredom it brought, but today, I realized after 4 miles that not only was I not bored, but training for the half marathon and running has improved my patience!! I thought about all the different areas in my life...work, home, family, friends, driving, and exercise. My excitement level quickly escalated as I confirmed that, yes, in every area of my life my patience had improved! What a wonderful Christmas gift! More patience! I was so thankful! Just in time for a new year and a blossoming toddler!! So when God motivated me to shed the baby weight, he was really helping me to be a better mother and wife, co-worker, friend, and christian woman. I was then quickly reminded of my shortcomings and how I desperately needed Christ and that is the whole reason he sent the little baby Jesus. That was today, many, many years ago that he was born. I felt that I could finally imagine what Mary felt like and then I pictured Abigail and shivered. So, Happy Birthday Jesus, and thank you for reminding me of how amazing you are through a mere run.