Walking the Walk

Today I "ran" two miles on the track at the gym. I try to vary my exercises, but I like the track the most because it gives me time to think. Most days, it also provides opportunities for me to laugh. Let me explain. First, the thinking: today, I was thinking about the things we leave at the feet of Jesus. Specifically, the things I leave at his feet and how freeing it is that he takes them and gives me his hope, joy, peace, and strength in return. The image this conjures is a growing pile at the foot of the cross that Jesus is covering with his blood. It makes me want to take every little thing I don't want to deal with and let him do it all. But that's not really what it's about. I want to lay it down at your feet But I can’t let it there when I leave Can’t means something to me And I can’t leave this at your feet So if I bring this to you now I have to stay until you heal The pain you found inside me If I leave it with you I can’t go anywhere And if I want to leave I can’t give it to you This thing is attached to me And I need you to set me free. In case you didn't know, I am in a wheelchair. I was paralyzed in a car accident as a child. And I used to think if there was just some way I could leave my wheelchair with Jesus that I would be able to walk away, just like the man with the mat by the pool, which is why I wrote the poem above. But, that's not really what it's about, either (though I am totally still waiting for that day). Today, in lap 16 of 20, a man tapped me on the shoulder and said to me with a smile, "God bless you for keeping going." I know he meant well, but when he was out of sight, I started laughing. Out loud. Sometimes we believe that if we have a little, or even big, challenge in life we should either be able to drop it off with Jesus or give up entirely. Today I was reminded that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Can I walk? No, actually. Can I run, jump, skip? No, no, and no. So what can I do through Christ who gives me strength? I can pick up what I have and through the strength Jesus gives me I can keep going. Besides, Jesus carried his own cross, and his didn't even have wheels. Daddy, Thank you that you love us so much that you rescue us. Thank you that we can come to you when we are tired and burdened and you will give us rest in exchange for our junk. Thank you for trusting us with those things in life that are ours to pick up and keep going. Most of all, thank you for your portion of supernatural strength that is just right for each trial and task we face. Continue to be our source. In the name of your son we pray. Amen.