A lesson in grace

Today while playing with my children in the mall play area, a very unpleasant thing happened. An angry mom yelled at me. She was clearly upset that my oldest daughter had her shoes on. All I could do is say, "thank you." She was already walking away from the play area and she had no further reason to stay and talk with me. She just wanted to make me feel bad, guilty, and ashamed. She probably wanted to feel good about herself by intimidating a total stranger. She was in error, but she didn't stay around to hear my side or to restore peace. Shoes are not allowed if you are playing. But, what she didn't realize is that my oldest daughter was taking care of the baby. My daughter was being a responsible young lady caring for her youngest sibling. She was not playing in the play area. And, she was not climbing on any of the play equipment. This uncomfortable encounter with this mom made me really think about my own behavior. I can be just like crazy-playland-lady. I can easily jump to conclusions and attack people without real cause. I pass judgement based on what I believe is right. Even if I was a little right, or full-on correct, I tend to leave grace out of my confrontations. The result is that for a while I feel sooo good. I feel empowered and clever. But, over time, when I replace love for law, I become self righteous. I look for more ways where I can voice my opinions over others. I see someones sin and I jump all over them. When I don't leave room for love, I don't see God. I only see me. I don't employ forgiveness and understanding. I become selfish and consequently, alone. The result of the encounter with this mom left a heavy cloud of suspicion over the entire play area. All the other parents diverted their eyes from me. Her judgement was contagious. No one felt free to be loving and kind. Evil is a disaster that pulls everyone down. Even though her anger stung and it hurt to be treated so poorly, I am grateful for this women. She made me realize how I need to change. I don't enjoy being on the receiving end of hatred. So, from this day forward, I will do something constructive. The first thing I will do is pray for this mom. The next thing is I will engage in more loving behavior and strive to be more graceful with others. As Christians we should be the bearers of love and righteousness. I was given a gift today. I pray that I may take this lesson and be the woman God has created me to be.

Hey 5K!

I am so pumped! This Saturday, I completed my first 5K in nearly a decade. I have been working out for months and it is paying off. I am losing weight. I am stronger. I have more energy. I am happier. I basically feel better!! My goal is to run the Grand Rapids 1/2 Marathon in October. I have been following a 15 week program designed by Hal Higdon. Part of the program is to run two races, a 5K and a 10K, before the big day. Saturday was my 5K day. I'll be adding one or two more 5K's before my 10K, though. I want to be really prepared for the 1/2 Marathon.

I signed up for the Hey 5K race sponsored by the christian radio station, 88.9 Hey Radio. I loved how the organizer prayed for us before the race. I couldn't think of a better way to begin my racing again than with an organization that spreads the love of Christ. I truly felt God's presence with me! How cool is that?

 I had no idea how I would feel during the 5K race. I was fully confident I would finish, but I wasn't sure how I would run it. It turns out, I did pretty well. I came in at 29:04 (4th in my age division) and 84th place overall (out of 157 participants). I was overjoyed that I actually ran faster than 30 minutes! I would have been happy with 35 minutes. 10 years ago I was running 23 minutes for a 5K, but that will take a few more years of constant running to get to that level again. I'm very proud of my running level now. Heck, I could barely walk 20 minutes a few months ago!

My family was there to cheer me on and I can't tell you how much their support meant to me. I saw my Summer Grace jumping up and down as I came down the home stretch. I ran even faster knowing that I was making her so happy. Her joy was my joy. :) They even came up with a cheer: "Go Mommy, Go!" Very cute!!

It felt so good to get out there and compete again! I love to run and competing in races is a totally joy for me.