It was lost, but now I am found!

Last night I was coaching a great group of runners focusing on tempo work and trail stair repeats in 88 degree heat! We had a great time, and I can say that because I wasn’t actually doing the workout. Hey, someone needs to time the splits and blow the whistle ;)-

When I got home I realized that I left my favorite water bottle at the workout: my Mind the Ducks 2 x 26.2 stainless steel bottle. I was so upset! I drove back to the neighborhood and couldn’t find it there. I knew I must have left it in the trails where we did our stairs. Since it was dark I didn’t think it would be wise to go looking for it last night, so I left my rescue and recover mission for this morning.

After the kids got off to school, I drove over to the trails and started running, hoping I’d find my bottle. As I approached the stairs I saw it there on the ground, my baby, standing upright with a beautiful light streaming around it. Ok, maybe not the light, but I was so happy to have found it! I picked it up and started running back, but then something told me to slow down, take my time and look around. I did. It was beautiful! I missed the beauty of the trails last evening because my mission was to provide a tough workout for some awesome runners. And I almost missed it this morning as I was there for the sole purpose of finding my prized possession. But now, as I take in my surroundings with all my senses, I can feel God. I stood there in communion with my Father and felt bathed in grace and love. I prayed. I cried. I breathed. I felt a beautiful completeness that is difficult to describe.

I spend every morning in prayer and devotion, but this was different. I needed this time in this place. I didn’t know I needed it, but God did, and I’m sure that my water bottle was left there for this very purpose.