Wipeout!

I've got the best running shoes ever!  Running shoes were at the top of my list for this year's birthday gift.  I must admit though I was a bit skeptical of my husband's suggestion to order them off the Internet.  Usually, I go and try shoes on especially checking out the comfort and support for my feet.  But now I would have to just wait until they arrived.  The reviews were positive. 

Putting them on was like wearing a snug stocking.  Actually, very comfortable as if you didn't even have a shoe on!  Instantly, I noticed there was no sensation of a thick heel, and to my surprise, it made quite a difference.  Trying them out for their first run was like running on air.  I couldn't get over how comfortable such a light shoe was.  No wonder these shoes are called "Nike Free!" 

Plus, they are the color of a brilliant lime green!  Certainly, that will aid in guiding me on my path.  So, yes all has been quite well with my new shoes.  Yesterday was no exception as Goldyn and I made our way up the hill on our usual walk.  June is the perfect weather month for running.  Sunny skies, clear air, and a cool breeze to keep you energized.  There is always a "certain sync" your body gets into when you run.  It's that time when your breathing, your heart rate, all match the stride in your legs, and you feel like you could run forever.  I love being in that zone, it's my time for keeping my focus on certain songs or Scriptures.  Goldyn gets in that zone as well as he runs ahead, his only distractions can be barking dogs behind fences that we pass by.  But he's greatly improved in his response, even at times being able to simply ignore.


So on we go down the small pebbled horse trail.  There are a few small rivets in the path from how past rain forged its way downhill.  I'm always careful to step to the side those, but not today.  My left foot slipped inside enough to jar my balance, and down I went on hands and knees . . . wipeout!  Skidding in to small gravel doesn't feel the best, as I survey one gouged up knee.  But other than my oozing blood, no major sprain or injury.  And of course, I have to get back home, so off we go running once again.


Actually, I don't feel bad, my right knee tends to pull a bit from where it was skinned, but my energy is good.  I seem to have lost awareness of my spill, until I get back home and notice I have a trail of blood from my knee to my foot.  That ought to get some sympathy from my husband love!  But of course his support is to shake his head at me and suggest that I carry some bandages with me on my runs from now on . . . 


Life engages us to run and endure despite wipeouts and falls.  Yes, we try to be prepared, to plan our times wisely, but in spite of all we do to control our days, stuff happens and we're down with skinned up knees and broken hearts. We can't check out of life, but must instead get up and run the path that's set before us.  

Jesus knew that each of his disciples would be tested, He tried to gently let them know what the time would be like for them when He would face His cruel death. It had to be very overwhelming to them, how do you ever prepare ones you love to face your death of crucifixion?  Yet, He lovingly expressed His care and told them honest truth so that "you may be kept from stumbling."  He never hid His outcome to them, but rather sought to build them up for the tests they would next endure without His physical self.  


Yes, trials come in life, seemingly tests of faith.  Even when we feel so strong and we're equipped with the best running shoes ever, we can slip and fall.  But I can get up again and run because I am in relationship with the One who already ran ahead of me in life . . . the One who takes my wipeouts and makes them "alrights" . . .