Last week I had a quick business trip to Chicago, arriving Thursday evening for a conference Friday and heading home Friday night. As usual, I packed my running gear, but when I woke up to steady rain Friday morning I decided to hit the gym instead.
A rare quiet moment in this small weight area. Most of the time I was dodging someone needing to load the weight rack or trying to get different dumbbells. The area had lots of equipment but almost no room to use it! Continue reading
My husband keeps his car immaculate. He even bought a miniature trash can that fits in a cup holder so he has a proper place for small items of trash. I, on the other hand, treat my car like the thing it is–a giant purse stocked with whatever I might need in an emergency.
I have a first-aid kit and a spare tire, but what I really care about is keeping my car ready for fitness opportunities. Continue reading
When I was sidelined from running I promised myself that I would be smart about my comeback, take things slowly, and continue with my strength training. Even though I didn’t hurt myself running, I know that coming back too fast too soon is a sure fire way to get a running injury.
After a failed comeback attempt in August and an epic vacation hiking at the Grand Canyon, I started back slowly, running 3-4 miles on the flat, forgiving surface of the track, at an easy 10:30-ish pace. Continue reading
I’ve been running at the track to give my foot a flat, cushioned surface as I recover from the hiking injury that had me sidelined all summer, and have been surprised at how much math I am doing — or am trying to do.
On the last Sunday of the month, our church includes a Litany of Healing in the service. One of the first lines invokes God’s will for us to “have life, and have it more abundantly.” Hearing that phrase in the context of a prayer for healing helped me understand the type of “abundant” life that God wants for us.
It is true that in John 10:10, Jesus says:
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
But in Matthew 6: 19-21, He says:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rustconsume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
And in Matthew 19:21, he tells the rich man:
If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the moneyto the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.
So, if I don’t think God’s will for us is tied to our bank accounts, what do I think an abundant life looks like?
The abundant life I am blessed with has at its foundation the certain knowledge that I am a beloved child of God. Beyond that, I find abundance in the love and support of family and friends; the challenge, satisfaction and financial security of my job, and the joy I find in simple pleasures.
Catching a gorgeous sunrise reminds me of the abundant promise of a new day.
The views at the Grand Canyon reminded of the abundant beauty of the world around us.
When I am able to pray without worrying,
I draw on the abundant peace that comes from placing my trust in God.
This is the abundant life I want for my children: to know they are loved, to have friends in good times and bad, to find work that challenges and satisfies, to experience joy and wonder, and to know peace even when the world seems chaotic. I think that’s the type of abundance that God wants for us all.
[Tweet “What Does An Abundant Life Look Like? #faith #love #prayer”]
What abundance are you grateful for today?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
