Run, run, run - Ruthann's view

Growing up, I ran a lot.  I ran to play tag.  I ran to get away from getting a spanking.  I ran to hide when the yelling was too much.  I ran to the end of my street because I figured I could run away.  I ran track in high school because I would be on the same team as my brother.  I ran when I was scared of where life was taking me.  I ran when I was angry.  I ran when I was sad.  Even with all this running I knew somewhere deep down inside of me I would always end up back where I started.  I was always going to come back to the beginning.  But would I come back to the beginning just to start all over again or during my running would I come back changed.  Would I be making a conscious decision to be different? 

 

For those who don’t know my back story, here’s a little back ground info on me and my family.  After the hubs and I married we lived in Phoenix, AZ for 11-12 years before Sean received a job opportunity in Florida.  FLORIDA!!!  I’ll admit I was scared about moving cross country but incredibly excited too.  How many people can have a start over?  Move to a new state where you don’t know anyone and no one knows you.  Moving to Florida was a huge step out of my comfort zone as I was going to have to do things I had never done before.  Good thing southerners are so stinkin’ nice.  After much encouraging from the hubs I decided to “be a friend to make a friend”.  Little did I know what this would do, what I would discover, who God would place in my path.  I had never had women in my life that would be so encouraging with scripture, who knew to have fun and laugh at themselves, who would deeply strive to be better mommies, wives, sisters, daughters, friends and children of our King.  I had a good 4 years with these women and then through a series of events we had to move back to Arizona.  This was a terribly difficult time for me.  We moved back with no money, no job and for me I felt like I was all alone.  I was hurt and angry.  Well, what do I do when I am angry?  I run.  I’ll admit I was running to run away.  Literally, this time.  I needed a break from reality.  As ridiculous as it sounds, while running, I would think, “I can run to Florida from Arizona.  Forrest Gump ran cross country, I can do it to.”  Yes, I know, ridiculous.  But even though I was having these thoughts of grandeur, that little voice from my childhood was whispering in my ear.  I’ll go back to where I started, but HOW will I come back.  Will I be changed?  Will I make that conscious decision to be different?  On one particular morning I was feeling pretty low and VERY alone.  I hadn’t even run very far before I was stopped dead in my tracks.  The sun was just rising and the clouds were trying to hold its glory back.  It was one of those sun rises where the suns rays are beaming through the clouds in magnificent brilliance.  Where you swear if you be still and quiet long enough that this may just be the exact moment you’ll hear the Lords trumpet sound, and you don’t want to miss it.  Instead I heard a still small voice whisper to me, “See, my mercies are new each and EVERY morning.  I AM here and you are NOT alone.”

 

 

(it was so beautiful I had to take a picture of it - thank you camera phones)

 

Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

 

Today, I do not run to run away.  However, homeschooling 4 kiddos, some days I believe I have every right to run away.  Instead I run to pray for others, to run for those who can’t.  But I especially love to run in the morning when I can meet up with God, see the sun rise and see His mercies come forth new each and every morning.

 

What are you running from today?  Or better yet, who are you running to?