Recently, the weather in Wasilla has been windy and cold. There are times that this wild weather can challenge my desire to get out the door and run. I continue to train for marathons because it keeps me motivated to run the miles I need to so that I can stay strong and fit. I am not a 'young' mother. My son, Stephen was born when I was 38. My daughter, McKinley, when I was 40 years old. I need to be 'young' and healthy for them, for me, for all whom I serve; especially my Savior, Jesus Christ. For many years, I have had a desire to be prepared to be able to run to my Savior when He comes again. I feel strongly that I will be so excited for this long awaited day, that I will not be able to stand back and wait. I want to see Him as He is. I want to behold His greatness and glory. I want to bathe His feet with my tears of gratitude for His grace and mercy. He has been and is my gentle healer that continually calls me to 'Come unto Him….' and as long as I keep my focus on Jesus Christ, I sincerely seek Him and find Him. He calms my storms. He carries me through the wind and the cold.
Last week, I needed to get in a 6 mile training run before attending Stephen's pinewood derby event. So, I got out the door early and the wind was whipping and the chill in the air was not pleasant. I started focusing on everything that was going wrong; the strong winds encircling me, the cold temperatures (when it should have been a 40 or above Spring like day,) the gray sky, the brown trees with no leaves budding, the dirt on the paved trail that had not been cleaned off by the street sweepers, the time constraints to finish the run. So, I knew I needed to change course and find my focus. I had recently read the account of Peter losing his focus when Christ called him to walk on water. (see Matthew 14:22-33.) I have also been reading "21 Days Closer to Christ." The author, Emily Freeman, shares the story of Christ calling Peter to Him when the winds and the waves are swirling about him. (see pages 67-68 of her book which I posted below.)
In referring to Peter, Jeffrey R. Holland said: It was only when his faith wavered and fear took control, only when he removed his glance from the Master to look at the furious waves and the ominous black gulf beneath, only then did he begin to sink into the sea. In…terror he cried out, "Lord, save me."
Emily Freeman writes: "Many times we find ourselves in a similar situation. We become overwhelmed with the magnitude of the path before us. Questioning our ability to move forward, we begin doubting our ability to go on. And so the storm begins to churn within. We find ourselves faltering, sinking, losing the ability to believe. We wonder if the Lord will carry us through our own raging waters, if He will stretch forth His hand and catch us. Peter's mistake was taking his eyes off the Savior and letting the raging of the world around him become his focus. So often in the process of learning we take our eyes off the Savior. We lose sight of the goal and find ourselves focusing instead on the turmoil that surrounds us, losing faith that He is able to calm the storm."
My 'stormy' run was calmed as I changed my focus to the things that were going right. I had strong legs that could carry me forward, I could breathe comfortably, I could see the world around me, I was able to run (which is always a gift I should focus on after not being able to for 3 years at one point in my life.) Then, I told myself: 'focus on Jesus.' 'Seek Him.' 'Find Him.' I began to run with renewed strength, with purpose, with conviction. I visualized my Savior standing many feet in front of me and calling me to Him. I was on the right path. I felt steady and calm. I felt determined to reach my goal. I would not sink from the 'turmoil' around me. I would focus on Christ to move me forward and finish. I testify that we must keep our eyes on the Savior. We cannot waste our time here by taking our eyes off of Him. We will fall, we will fail. I know that we need to be built upon the Rock of our Redeemer so that …."when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have NO power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built…." (Helaman 5:12.)
I love Jesus Christ. I know He is my Redeemer. I know He lives and continues to call to us, as he did to Peter: "Come." Don't wait until it's too late. Go to Him now. This hour, this minute. Give Him your time, give Him your heart and He will give you everything you need to move forward. I know that as we focus on Jesus, we will be filled with faith. We will be given the power to persevere. We will be steady in the storms of life. Focus. Keep your eyes on Him and you will find Him. He can assure you (as He did Peter,)…."Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid." Feast upon His words and He will fill you with light, truth and peace. For He is the Prince of Peace.
Christ calming the storm.
Kary, running through a storm a few winters ago when is was -20.
Now, that's cold. I have not gone gray (yet,) that is frost on my hair. ; )
Victory over the storm. I kept pressing forward.
This picture is from last winter.
The following quotes were signs posted at the Joseph Smith Miracle Run that Ray, Stephen, McKinley and I did together a couple years ago in Immigration Canyon in Utah.
These words of wisdom kept us focused on moving forward. Believing that we could make it to the finish.
We focused & finished!
