I'm running a marathon

It's called cancer.

I was driving to see my sister last night after her news that she has Invasive Ductal Cancer in her breast and lymph nodes.  Somehow my mind flashed to what I was doing a year ago when I had full control over my life and my schedule.  I was just 2 weeks away from running a marathon. I remember telling someone that if I could find it in me to train and run with a newborn, 2 other small kids, church, schedules etc then I didn't have the excuse anymore to say I couldn't do something.
My heart was pierced as God spoke to me that this was why my life was so "easy" last year.  I could focus on training.  I had the time to spend alone.  I was not even bothered by a hip injury during my race day.  He gave me my "marathon experience"  for this new season of my life right now. 

Dealing with her cancer is going to take time, energy, patience.  It's not like a sprint, or a short run.  It's not even like a full marathon, which is hard/fulfilling and over in a few hours.  This is an ultimate.  Months, maybe years of pushing.  No finish line in sight.  It requires focus, pacing, positive mental thinking.

Hebrews 12:1 ...Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us... vs 7 Endure hardships as discipline...vs 11 It produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Persevere,  Endure.  Be trained by it.  That is how God works good out of sucky things.  

Other funny things she says...

Stella, turning 5 on May 4th.  Here is some of her dictionary additions:

Hanatizer:  Hand Sanitizer
Paint Nolish:  Nail Polish
Oosker:  Easter