the little things

For the past year or so I've been really into working out and getting in shape. My favorite way to do this has been by running the treadmill at the gym. I did this fairly frequently. However, as the end of the past school year approached, I became very stressed and tired. Essentially, I quit and never really picked it back up.

After I returned from my honeymoon in Maui, I decided to start back up again. I live in a wonderful part of Seattle, and really enjoy running around my neighborhood. While it isn't something I am incredibly excited for all the time, I find it soothing.

Tonight's run was very special for me. A few random things stood out to me in a profound way.

-I started running uphill...decided to take it too fast...that set the tone for the night's run. I proceeded to run the hardest I have in a while.

-As I ran by the park, there were three kids (middle school?) hanging out nearby. They randomly called out to me..."Hey runner!" and "Keep on running!" So silly, but pretty cool nonetheless.

-I ended up running by a block party where a live band was playing the blues. There were probably about fifteen people gathered around them, surrounded by music and twilight. Strangely beautiful.

The end of the run was somewhat brutal. I wanted to quit...but I was fueled by the idea that I needed to finish what I started. Ended my run in a sprint. In the last few minutes I kept praising God for the little things that make their way into each of our lives. It was a wonderful experience and I am thankful for it.