Today I am writing you from Western Washington State.  It is 57 degrees outside and it is starting to sprinkle a bit.  This is not my norm.  I’m a Florida girl and I love the warm sunshine.  So why am I here?   I committed at the beginning of year to run/walk a half marathon with my sister.  Believe or not, we live over 3000 miles away from each other.

Miles separate us.

Our beliefs separate us.

How we live life separates us.

What we like in music, TV and books separates us.

But we are still sisters and a half marathon brought us back together again to make a lasting memory.

Why a half marathon?  So we could spend time together.  Time we don’t get living over 3000 miles away.

To tell you the truth we really don’t talk much on the phone because we really don’t have much in common in this stage of our life. But we now have something in common.  We both ran/walked a half marathon and finished TOGETHER!!

This is what I will remember from this day:

• The weather was supposed to be rainy but it was sunny, cool and beautiful.

• I started the night before seeing it a certain way and she saw it differently - not wrong just different. 

• I choose to show up ready to lead and coach her with the 3 mins run/2 min walk but didn’t quite happen.

• I shifted in the midst and allowed this to be her race not mine.  I was her coach not her counselor. 

• So we walked and walked some more.  We walked up the hills and ran down the other side like little kids having the time of their lives.

• We met people.  Talked along the way.  Learned more our about dreams and plans for the future.

• We crossed the finished line hand in hand then they took our picture.

• We were handed lots of free yummy food.  Hey if it’s free it’s for me.  hehe

• As we walked back to our hotel it started to rain. Blessings and cleansing from above. 

• We hung with our kids, ate at the Cheesecake Factory and saw Madagascar 3.  We both fell asleep during the movie. 

• We ended the evening at the Seattle Space Needle. So amazing!!!

Before my sister woke up on Saturday morning, I had my quiet time.  Just me and God preparing my heart, mind and body for the day ahead.  During the devotion, Jeremiah 32:17 was mentioned.  It read, “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

Hard is me trying to control everything and everyone in my life.

Hard is being so competitive that no one else gets a chance to shine.

Hard is me needing to look like I have it all together.

Hard is me trying to fix those in my life not living up to my standards. Doing rather than being with.

Oh thank you Lord for your words that day.  I know that nothing to too hard for You and so I lay it all at Your feet.  You are the Sustainer, Giver, Healer, and Perfector of all things.

Memories created, love and grace extended, peace made, and lives changed.  That is how God likes to work in and through us.  Praise you Father.  May this win bring you Glory, Honor and Praise!!

Thank you for reading, sharing and commenting on our blog.  Would love to hear from you so here’s a question.

What relationship in your life can be improved?  Jenny says in the 7 shifts, ”I can improve every relationship in my life.”  So be open to how that may happen today or into the future.  I never dreamed God would use a half marathon.  God Rocks!!!

Michelle

Would you like to create a lasting memory with someone?  Then, join us for “It is Finished” Weekend of Wins at the Women’s Half Marathon in St. Pete, Florida on November 16-18, 2012.  We have only 17spots lefts.  So go to www.weekendofwins.com now to learn more and sign up.

Related articles

• You Can Finish by Michelle D. Howe (iwokeupyesterday.com)
• I Decided…I Did It…and So Can YOU! by Michelle D. Howe (iwokeupyesterday.com)
• It is Crazy, It is Scary, It is Possible and It is Finished by Michelle D. Howe (iwokeupyesterday.com)