The grace race (and some encouragement for you)

The alarm sounded at 4:15am (did I mention I'm not a morning person?).

It was race day.

In a moment of what now seemed like insanity, I agreed to do the swimming portion of a triathlon relay.

500 meters (20 laps)

I swam on a team when I was younger. But I'd only been a few times in the last decade.

(Confession: Just about as terrifying as the race was appearing in a swimsuit in public. The only advantage I could think of was that my neon white legs might temporarily blind the other swimmers.)

We pulled into the race area. Then my husband sauntered over to the registration desk and let them know our team had arrived.

"The three stooges are here!" he cheerfully announced.

I stepped to the edge of the lake and peered into the dark waters. I imagined all sorts of creatures nibbling on my toes. Perhaps the leg-whiteness would ward them off as well.

I paced. I used the porta-potty (eww!) about fourteen times. I thought I might faint, throw-up, and/or die.

And then it was time.

I stepped into the water with knees knocking, pink goggles, and a white swim cap. I felt more like an albino rabbit than an athlete.

The trumpet sounded (seriously) and we were off.

And then something miraculous happened.

I swam.

Then I swam some more.

I passed the first marker.

I passed some other swimmers.

And then I was done.

All that drama and nothing happened. Nothing nibbled on my toes. I didn't have to be carried back to shore by a rescue boat. My time was smack in the middle of the men and women.

And the Three Stooges won third place.

When they called our team's name, I could hardly make it to the stage because I was laughing so hard.

Grace.

It felt like grace.

I was reminded again that most of the time the most important part is just showing up. And doing whatever it is despite our fears. Even when we feel insecure. Or unqualified.

I'm going to train for another race.

And This time I'm going into the water with a bright white smile that matches those legs.

Yes, ma'am.

Have you ever been afraid to do something and decided to do it anyway? What helped you push through your fear?

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A little tour of Alaska...and some big ol' thoughts

I need your help. That crazy hood covered my ears. What was this fish saying?

I hear you, girl. You just go right ahead and keep on giggling! There's more to come--silly and serious. Because you know even on vacation my life is one mishap and/or spiritual analogy after another!

Here are a few favorite thoughts and photos from the trip...

Family Flyout

Left to right: My Dad-in-law Terry, Dad - Don, Hubby - Mark, Brother - Stephen, Mom-in-law Marsha, me, Mom - Lyn, Sis-in-law Amber.

We went on a flyout trip over a beautiful stretch of wildnerness and a gorgeous glacier. When we landed, we set out in little boats and caught these silver salmon! Who knew I was such an outdoorsy girl? Not me!

On the flight, I thought about how we don't have to reach the tops of our mountains (dreams) on our own. Thankfully for us, God says, "Get on board, girl, and I'll make you soar!" Our job is faithfulness...He'll do the flying!

 

Barrier Islands

 

On another day, we took a short cruise out of Seward. The guide pointed out these barrier islands and said their purpose is to keep the port from experiencing the full force of the storm.

I thought of the storm in my life the last few years and how God has provided barrier islands for my heart too--people, moments of joy, just the right moment. Yes, storms blow in but we don't get the full impact. Thank you, God.  

Big Ol' Mountains

We saw so many huge mountains in Alaska. They're breathtaking. I found myself praying, "Lord, if you ever want to do something big through me then make it that kind of BIG. The kind that makes people say, 'Wow, God had to be the one who did that!' " 

Fish-Catching Chicks!

No spiritual analogy here--just my sis-in-law looking adorable as always and me looking completely goofy like much of the time! And a whole bunch of fish. Woo-hoo! Go, girls! 

(Okay, maybe a little analogy--I did think about how we each were supposed to "catch our limit" and how that applies to all of us in our everyday lives because we all have limits. See? I can't turn it off! And actually, I'm glad.)

Thanks for joining me on this little tour! I wish I could have taken all of you with me! We would have caught fish, drank way too much coffee, laughed a lot, and stared at some of those big ol' mountains together.

Next time?

 

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When you're looking for peace

Hey you, in the middle of the busy, in search of quiet, looking for peace.

You don't have to go anywhere to find it. It's here, right here.

It has a name and a heart that beats with love for you.

"Come to Me," He says, "I'll lift that burden, carry that load, settle your soul."

He knows how to calm storms, quiet hearts, bring peace to our lives.

That place your heart long to go, away from it all?

It's not as far as you think.

It's anywhere He is.

And here's the best part of all...He's always with you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. John 14:27

 

* This photo is of Fireweed in Alaska. It's said that when the flower blooms all the way to the top then winter begins. Locals also use the flower to make honey!

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