fractured.

What I had originally believed to be a cramp in my right food had developed into too much of a perpetual pain to rest as a simple muscle ache. I tried to ignore the pain that had begun Tuesday afternoon, but by Wednesday it was as easy to ignore as a kid pulling at your sweater. So, becoming a little concerned, and with the help of my father, I had an appointment scheduled with a doctor at a local orthopedics clinic. As I was sitting on the clinical bed with my naked right foot lumped up on the end, I read the doctor's face as he plopped down in a chair in front of me. Uh oh.

"It seems to me that you have a stress fracture. No more half-marathons, no more running. You can swim and bike, but I'm making you wear a boot for everyday use. Oh, and I'm writing you a parking permit."

Um. Excuse me? I had already decided I didn't have a stress fracture. It couldn't be. It was going to be tendonitis.

No. Running?

Sunday was going to be a big day. A 5k. And I was going to make my best time yet. I run every day. I can't just stop. I have another half marathon in two weeks. I can't just quit.

Well, yes I can.

I can quit, kicking and screaming if I have to. My bummed feelings and tears shed today caught me off guard. If you told me 2 months ago I wasn't allowed to run anymore, I would deem you as my best friend.

Well, times have changed. Running is an acquired taste; it takes time to become friends with it. And I had become friends with it, alright.

I'm worried now, I'm worried I'll have a lot of built-up stress and energy, and I won't be able to get it out. I'll try swimming this next week, but I have a feeling I won't be satisfied.

I'm learning from this. Kicking with my bootie on and screaming, I'm learning. It's probably a good thing I'm taking a break for a while. I'm wondering if I was starting to put too much dependence on de-stressing with the running method. I think most of my self-confidence was coming from running. So maybe it's good to take a healthy break.

So, I thank you, God, for every circumstance you turn into your glory. In this little trying season of mine, I'll learn what it's like to really put you as the solution of my every need. When I have a stressful day, I won't turn to running first, but I'll give my day to you in prayer first. When I feel bad about myself, I won't go and try to burn calories, but I'll remind myself of how beautiful I am in your eyes, and how I'm truly your Beloved one, whose body is blessed by the mere fact that you chose your Spirit to dwell in it.

As much as I am bummed about my new anatomical dilemma, I am thankful to be reminded that nothing satisfying will continue to last except for One. And it's the only One I need.

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner,

but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed."

-Isaiah 51:6

God, take away my low spirits and replace them with an irreplaceable joy that no worldly achievement could measure up to.