Running in the Dark

Today I really noticed how tough it is to run in the dark.  Usually I run with several people, and we have lights on our caps to light the way.  As the sun creeps up, we can see better, and even the moon lights our path.  

But today, I forgot my water bottle.  When I headed back to get it, a friend offered one of hers.  What a blessing.  It saved me 4 miles.  But by the time I got the water bottle, my pace group was way ahead.  I ran through the park by myself.  Where the trees covered the path, I could only see by my headlight.  If I looked out too far, there was not enough light to see.  I had to keep my head down and eyes focused j on the path a step or two in  front of my feet.

 I knew the path because I had run it many times, but I had not memorized it.  I didn't remember when it veered left or right, went up or down.  I had to keep my eyes right on the path. The light showed me where to take my next step.  

Since I was running alone, I had much time to reflect on this thought.  It is similar to my work situation right now.  I have 35 weeks of 4th grade ahead of me to learn about  and turn around and teach.  My students are tested in 3 area - reading, math and writing, all of which I must teach them.  As of now, I don't have a plan and it is  overwhelming.  But, if I will just look at what I need to do this week, I can plan that.  If each day I just prepare for that day, I can do that.  It is when I look too far in the future that the task looks enormous.  One week plan and one day preparation are doable.  I have to quit looking out to the path ahead, and just look for the next step.

I was reminded of a Bible verse, Psalm 119:105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  The Message version puts it this way: "By your words I can see where I'm going .  They throw a beam of light on my dark path."  My path looks dark far out, but I made it through this week one step at a time.  I will do the same next week, and the next.

 All along the way, God has guided me and sent help.  Today I  ran my 12 miles with no training runs during this week.  A kind friend gave me a water bottle, and another waited  and ran  6 miles with me.  It all worked together to make  a successful week. Chicago is 40 days away - which is overwhelming.  I have so much to do between now and then.  I haven't gotten the days off work yet, and then there is planning for a substitute.  But right now I'll just plan next week, run my miles, and not look too far ahead.   

Keeping my eyes on the light,
TVW