Tuesday, October 4, 2016

That time I got lost in the woods

Today was "dress like your favorite book character" day at school. I think it have made it clear my feelings about dress up days. It is so hard for me to get my children up and fed and out of the door each morning, never mind having to remember to dress them in a costume. To tell the truth, I am not a fan of costumes in general. I avoid dressing up as much as humanly possible. I think my resistance to costumes can be traced back to a work place halloween mishap that resulted in me going to lunch with a client dressed as a 1920's Flapper. I have been a bit costume shy ever since.



Nevertheless, we pulled off a successful literary costume day with Walt dressed as Waldo and Amelia as Hermione (again). The kids were very happy and I was feeling like a total mom rock star. (which in itself is an extreme oxymoron). I don't know about you other moms, but there is a real problem that comes with me gaining a little confidence in a job well done. I let that stuff go straight to my head and become invincible. I can leap tall buildings, clean multiple bathrooms, and go on a invigorating trail run.... Wait. What?

If you know me or have read even a little of this blog, you are getting a little nervous for me and my new found confidence. You are like those people that scream at the girls in the scary movies "No! Stop!! Turn around!! Don't be an idiot!!!" 

Where were you guys a couple of hours ago?

Fueled by the adrenaline of my successful morning of mothering, I decided to skip the gym, take advantage of this beautiful day, and hit the Wolf River Greenway for a quick 30min trail run. I had never been on this particular portion of the Greenway, but I have friends that run and they say it is great. The word on the street was that it ended at Cameron Brown Park which is "fairly" close to my house, so without any thinking or planning I grabbed my running shoes and headed towards the trail.

About an hour into this little jaunt in the woods I realized it is not enough to just know where the trail starts and where it ends. I really should have looked at a map to see how all of the twists and turns affected the distance. As my run (okay there was more walking than running) became longer and longer I started thinking about how this is a perfect example of how I often go through life. I am completely focused on getting from point A to B, not taking the time to prepare for the twists and turns along the way. I get so frustrated when things don't happen as quickly or run as smoothly as I thought they would. Sometimes I even wonder if I have taken the wrong road just because things have taken a difficult turn or I find myself heading in an different direction than expected.

My tendency is to focus on the end and blow past all of beautiful stuff that happens along the way. But If I always stick to my plans and never allow any wiggle room, I could miss the detours that the Lord has planned to shape and refine me. It took getting lost in the woods in the middle of the city for me to get that message.

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 
Isaiah 55:8

I made it home 1.5 hours after I left. I was hot, tired, and hungry and could not stop laughing at myself. (Partially due to the dehydration. Not really. Normal athletic people run that distance in their sleep. I'm just a total wimp.) Next time I take off on a run, I think I will check out a map first. Or better yet, maybe I'll just stick to the treadmill at the gym. That's really how I prefer my exercise... with air condition and television and a restroom close by.  And all God's people said.... Amen.



FACEBOOK FROM THE PAST
September 2013
I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't love their bed as much as I love mine.


No comments:

Post a Comment