What a Promise!

I have discovered new things about myself over these past nine months: unexpected but true.

I like being around my family and friends...a lot. I mean, A LOT.

I enjoy eating blueberries, walnuts, raisins, zucchini, oatmeal (previously ranked on my "never-eat" list) and an occasional cup of coffee when needed.

I am comfortable and ok with spending time alone (though usually I prefer not to).

My favorite season is spring, and I miss seeing the signs of change in the Midwest.

My calling definitely includes doing ministry with youth.

I do not like French Toast.

I need to take some cooking classes.

Exercise has become a daily renewing ritual for me, and I have a new found love of running. Who would have thought?!

Internship is a cross-cultural experience.

Honesty is one of the most important personal qualities to have.

If I could spend all of my money in one store, it would be REI.

Yippee dogs and cigar smokers are some of my biggest peeves.

I hate meetings with a passion.

(I'll keep you posted on some more of my enlightened traits.)

Anyway, today I woke up to cloudy skies and rain trickling down the side of my window. It was glorious! It took a second for me to remember that I was in Arizona and not at home. I spent most of the day lounging around, preparing for the 6 AM sunrise service at Gold Canyon, talking to some of my favorite people, and gathering things to be packed for the trip on Tuesday.

Around 5 I started to get antsy--it was too early to eat and too late for a nap--so I laced up my running shoes and headed out the door. By my eighth step it started to rain again. I kept going. I'm sure people thought I was crazy. An hour later I realized I had just run 6 miles. This might not seem like much, but for a girl that used to not be able to run one mile, this was a PR. TC Ten Mile, here I come.

What made it so spectacular was as I was just about done, a HUGE rainbow appeared in the sky. It was amazing. I wish I had my camera on me.

It was the perfect reminder of how even on this day when some say "God is dead," God is alive and well and continues to shower us with love, grace, and strength--even during silly runs.

What a testament, and what a promise!

I know it's a little early, but I think we all know it's coming...Happy Easter!

Peace--
HGJ