View from the top of The Incline
Yesterday I managed to scale The Incline in Manitou Springs. If you haven’t heard of it, Google it. It is a BEAST! I can see why people come here repeatedly–the workout is intense and getting to the top is a satisfaction like no other.
As painful as it was yesterday, my legs and ass hurt more today and will probably feel worse tomorrow. This only concerns me because I’m shipping out tomorrow! Right now, I actually only have two hours left before I have to head over to the recruiting office to catch the shuttle up to Denver. I have just a few errands to run, things to buy, and then I’ll be set. Or as set as I can try to be. I haven’t prayed and meditated as much as I should have over the past week or month, or ever I guess, but I know God is with me and will guide me wherever I go. Wish me luck… or better yet, pray for me!
John 8:29 “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”
I’m down to six days before I head back to MEPS, and I am… anxious.
Should I be? No… for He is with me, wherever I go, lighting my path. Despite knowing that He will take care of everything, I still have a sense of unease in my stomach. Maybe it’s just butterflies at the thought of facing the unknown. I don’t know what lies ahead; all I know is that I must persevere. These next six months will be the most challenging in my life; if I can just hold on, He tells me everything will be wonderful afterwards. If you can spare me Your grace, Lord, I will hold onto your Word.
1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Over seven miles of jogging/walking out in the sun today, and now I’m left with warm cheeks. I guess I need to invest in better sunscreen. Or maybe just workout sooner while it’s still fresh on my face?
I also managed to wake up with chapped lips which got progressively worse throughout the day–I imagine this is in part due to the sun and wind beating on my face today. Where was my chapstick when I needed it?
This is the last week before I am shipped off to Basic Training.
Finally, the culmination of all I’ve worked for over the last year and a half, but really it’s not the end. It’s the beginning all over again, just the next chapter to my story. Like a hiker who climbs one hill only to see another waiting for him ahead, this will be just a small victory along the way. And it is God’s victory, not mine! Without His wonderful grace, how could I be here today? All glory be to God and His merciful providence.
Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
