Lord have mercy. Names and stories float in my head as I speed past street corners. Burdens, victories, celebrations, gasps for air, weather - my constant running companions.
I imagine God looking down at me. I must look like a little ant, barely moving. I wonder, does God have a bird’s eye view of me? Watching me scramble up hills, crossing streets…
My thoughts trail off and I keep running.
Surrounded by God’s beauty and goodness. Trees full of leaves, rose bushes in full, sometimes surprisingly constant, bloom, clouds headed from storms, sun shining. No, God is here with me.
Lord have mercy. It’s been an hour and I’m still running. My thoughts travel to family members, to friends around the states, to our staff and those they serve among. I remember emails from friends about a sick loved one. Blogs outlining the tragic death of someone our staff serves among. Memories of prayers said around the table. Pictures of children I’ve met. Sadness I’ve carried.
Lord have mercy.
Those three words, this prayer, float around our office, our prayers, our thoughts, our homes, our cars, our runs, our walks.
I am learning to resist the urge to pray my solutions in situations. And I ask, I beg, I pray for mercy. I’m quiet. I hear my feet hit the pavement. My thoughts trail away from my running list of petitions and prayers. I release them at the feet of Jesus, knowing that He knows my prayers, I mean He’s already praying them, I just have to listen.
The past few months have been overwhelming. It’s been encouraging to receive your letters and emails letting me know that you all are praying for me. I’m finding more space to be, to read, to write. I’m finding myself again these days. I’m feeling much more caught up – even on sleep!
I am so thankful for your accompaniment in my life and in WMF. I can’t say it enough – we can’t do this without you. You are my companions.
You all lead me in ways of surrender, obedience, sacrifice, love. I’m following you, thank you for letting me watch your feet and try and keep up.
Right. Left. Right. Left.
love. jara
(a little secret bonus ☺ )
Because we write our prayer letters two weeks before the first of the month I haven’t actually run the half-marathon as of print. I’m two weeks away, well, actually, a week and six days. I finished my 9 mile run yesterday and my labored walk shows it. I look forward to telling you about it next month.
I’ve included some photos from some impromptu races I’ve scheduled with friends. I’m following a running program that includes a couple of races in the training. So, a friend and I (Rachelle – she’s in the picture with me on the end) scheduled some races – a 5k and a 10k. She will also be running the half marathon with me!
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