Encouragement

Yesterday, I planned on going for a run. I thought about it the night before and scheduled it in my mind. As the morning wore on, I began to talk myself out of going. Finally, I just said "Right, no matter how hard or painful it is to get out the door, I have to go". I got up, got dressed, got Christian in the stroller and proceeded out the door.

As I approached the wooden gate at the end of our front garden, an older gentleman who was walking by, stopped and opened the gate for me. It was such a small gesture but was so encouraging! It was as if, God was saying "I know how hard this is for you, so let show you I'm taking care of you."

I ran to my "half-way" point and when I turned around to head back, I got an extra pat on the back from God. A little Indian woman was getting off a bus. As soon as our eyes met, she started smiling at me. It's nice to see someone smile at you, especially when you live in a large city where often times you feel invisible. While passing her, she spoke to me. She said, "Keep it up! That's great exercise!"

Starting this running program has been so difficult for me. There has been such a dread in my stomach each time I think of what I have to do. These little acts of kindness were so needed. They meant so much and those people will never know how they lifted my spirits. They might not even know they were sent by God, but I know.

"But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah." Psalm 3:3-4