Ankle Issues-Why?

Crisp autumn air
Tickles the hair follicles
And roses my cheeks
The chill pierces my lungs
Sharply at first
Until my pace settles
And the tingle
Transfers to my fingertips

Running. I love waking up early and setting out on a long run. There is nothing more invigorating than feeling the lethargic heart grow steadily more fierce or the astrigent air inflate my lungs. There is something so majestic in the stillness of the morning, when the birds are softly singing, the deer are gently grazing, and the sun slowly rising.

This is exactly how last Saturday morning went. Followed by a blessed afternoon at church. And better yet, concluded by hiking through the woods with my parents and my dog. At some point along the hike, however, my left foot was seized by immense pain. I literally could walk no further. The next day, my foot was none the worse, but certainly no better. Monday, I was on crutches. And my hopes of running again began to fade. You see, this is my favorite time of the year to run and this weeks forecast promised excellent conditions and so my moral began to slip as I contemplated sitting inside with my foot propped rather than feeling my blood surge through my veins during a vigorous run.

Wednesday morning daily devotion book read:
A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.

Sometimes it seems that just when I am finally making progress toward some goal or project, everything suddenly comes to a standstill. Maybe this seemingly negative happening is, in fact, a positive one, an intermission that allows me to consider other options, enjoy a needed break, or improve on my plans. Perhaps this intermission is essential to my spiritual growth-- a time of moving my attention away from the busyness around me to the quiet of my own inner refuge of peace. There I experience a sacred reunion with the presence of God. Lingering in the presense of God, I realize what it feels like to be at peace.

So whether or not I wanted to be set back with an injury, God is allowing me this time to reconnect with Him. I wish I knew what He wanted though. I wish I knew what redirection my life is supposed to take from here. What other options I am supposed to consider. I feel so lost and still a little bitter about not being able to run. Being idle is against my nature, but I have been trying to remind myself that all things work together for good when God is in control.

So Father God, please take control of my "free time" and show me the plans you have for me. Help me to block out the busyness of the world around and to listen to Your words. Help me see the options in front of me and choose according to Your will. Allow me to come through the fire refined. This is my prayer dear God. Draw me closer to your side. And if You could, heal my ankle too. Thanks Father! Amen.