I covered, mostly running, a thankful but cold 13 miles this morning. Not alone, mind you. Never alone, with my wonderful Savior and loving Father who has promised not to ever forsake me, but also joined by one of this life's better gifts, a running buddy.
We started out, both exclaiming about the coldness, switching sides of the road to avoid the icy patches. We ran through the neighborhood's snow-dusted streets, lined with clean, white-topped houses and cars. Ran from her streets over into mine, then headed down the main road toward the park. We talked about important things, like neck gaiters and house cleaning and ministry.
Just running together was ministry, at least to me.
We covered the salt-coated lane through the park at a not-too-fast, but not-terribly-slow pace either. We commented on crime and our own fears, prayed over a few specifics, and discussed the mileage needed to complete each others goals.
After parting, just a half mile from home and coffee, I decided to see if I could make another 3-mile loop, to make it 13 instead of 10. Reasoning that I was already sweaty, had checked on Hannah, and that it would probably snow later anyway, I grabbed my phone for the distraction of a podcast, and kept my tired legs moving a bit longer.
Seems like the first 10, with a precious friend, were easier than the last 3. With God's help, and a friend to run with, I made it 13 this morning!
