Today was the big day! My first 5K cross-country run. It was held at our local YMCA here in Hopkinsville, and there were about50 or so participants. Well, the tortoise did not win the race, but I certainly finished! And, I ran at a steady pace the entire time, which was my goal all along. I just wanted to keep running and not stop, and by God's grace, I kept going.

As I was running, there were times that I certainly wanted to stop. The terrain was on the grass and hiking trail, so it was different than a treadmill, track or even a road. There were turns and small hills, dips and holes in the trail. I didn't know that is how it would be, but it turned out well. I kept the story of the tortoise and the hare in my mind the entire time I was running (jogging I should say!), and it really gave me my inspiration to keep trudging ahead. Many participants would run at a fast pace for a while and then stop and walk for a while. Most of those still made it into the finish line ahead of me, but that was okay. My goal was a steady pace.

The Spirit was reminding me of how we are to walk with Jesus in this life...steadily, without running out ahead of him and then dragging our feet behind him, but just staying slow but on a steady climb toward Him daily. This is the way the Lord wants to work in me in my own life, to transform me daily into His glorious image, which is His goal for all the saints of God. Well, tonight I truly have a thankful and joyful heart at the thought of my reaching this goal, and as I crossed the finish line with a time of 34:38, I was overwhelmed with tears at just a glimpse of remembrance of where the Lord has brought me from, not only in my physical body by healing me of many diseases, but more importantly in my spirit. He has done all things for me, and I praise Him for the chance to run in this wonderful race called the Christian Life.