Thinking of Good Friday

My faith is the foundation of who I am. It defines me in so many ways and leads me in all things.  Well, most things.  I am human, I am a cussy sinner, after all.

Easter week, Holy Week, is my favorite spiritual time of year. Following the path of Jesus, knowing what was to happen, knowing he knew what was to happen, yet proceeded in faith, the fall and rise, the human drama, the despair and joy, the defeat and victory, it reminds me of our frailties as people and the hope we have in the forgiveness of our sins and our home to come. It’s a humbling beauty of faith, one that sustains me throughout the year.

Yesterday, when I was out for my run (MY RUN!), I passed a nail on the street, which I stopped to pick up.  Can’t have a pup or person stepping on that.  My intention was to dispose of it properly, yet the more I turned it between my fingers, the more I thought of the large nails put through Christ on the cross.

I looked at my nail and thought of my new cross, breast cancer.  My nail looked small, in comparison.

The nail is now on my desk and since my run, I have picked it up many times to roll between my fingers as a reminder that we all have our trials to bear.  I suspect the nail will be between my fingers today, as we consult with the surgeon for the first time and then when we meet my oncologist.

If Jesus could accept his trial in faith, then so can I.  Although, I’ll be honest, his prayer has been mine, too: Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.  Luke 22:42

That I am able to run again, that the one thing that was taken from me for over a year that gives me the greatest comfort when I am in need to clear my mind in prayer, so that I may think and see clearly, has been restored in the most unexpected and commanding way, gives me hope that my fight against cancer will end with its defeat in the same stunning manner.

3-miles in the bank yesterday, all pain-free.  My newly restored runs continue to be an amazement and joy to me.

I WAS RUNNIN’!

Today, and in the days to come, I’ll take my nail and use it for good, just as Jesus did.

God Bless you, mah babies.

Happy Easter!