“Let’s go for a run when I get home from class.”

How does he always know what I need, before I even know myself? I guess that’s what happens after three years of loving your wife well. There are many reasons why I would say that Chase is the best soul-mate for me, one of which would be this. He makes me his hobby. He is intentional in learning what my heart needs, even when I’m not so sure myself. He cares for the whole of me, not just one part.

The last few weeks I haven’t been able to run, and I have missed it so desperately. Running to me is so much more than the act itself, and Chase recognizes that. So when he mentioned a late night run, I knew it would be good for me. We made our way out far after dark and started out in an easy jog. This was a test physically to see how my body would ease back into this rhythmic exercise it knows well. The entire run, I was thanking the Lord for space to breathe, all while listening to how well my knee and joints were managing.

Silent prayers of praise and stillness under the stars.

I’ll be honest, I was tired last night and at first thought, going for a run didn’t sound at all appealing or attainable. I felt this resistance welling up inside me as the time approached. I wanted to choose comfort, I wanted to have the after affects of the run, without actually putting forth any effort. It sounds absurd to hear, but that was just exactly how I felt.

I’m grateful for a husband who can love me enough to see beyond what I think I need (or selfishly want) right now, and tread deeper into what my soul truly desires long term. Chase loves me enough to encourage me to stretch myself in ways I wouldn’t otherwise be stretched, and it blesses me more than he will ever understand.

So there I was, side by side with Chase moving in the silent of the night, chasing the stars, breathing heavy, and listening to the Spirit without distraction.

Without distraction.

That is why my run was so much more than just a run last night. All day long I felt the Spirit nudging me to get quiet, to be still, to stop all the doing and just be. Did I listen? No, not on my own. I neglected those nudges all day. It wasn’t until the Spirit got my husband involved that I reacted to those Spirit whispers, and even then, not without some resistance.

I’m in battle.

Every day is another opportunity to put on the victory armor and fight with confidence. Why some days I choose to go without the champion jersey, is just as absurd as my wish for the reward with no risk. Yet even in my arrogance He, the Holy one, never leaves me. He carries that victorious armor and goes before me, inviting me to step into it. No matter how many times I say no or turn the other way to do just. one. more. thing.

He Remains.

I don’t know about you, but some days my head hits the pillow in awe at the miracle of the Lord’s faithfulness yet another day through. After a long day and late night run as I laid down for bed in a tired, but no longer weary manner, I smiled as I closed my eyes knowing that I met with the champion of all things under the stars. I let my thoughts linger at the mystery of God’s ways and how He uses the promptings of a husband and a mundane activity such as running, to breathe life into a tired soul.

When I am weak, then I am strong.

“Let’s go for a run today” Whatever your quiet place looks like, find it. Be still and go to Him, He is there always, never weary of waiting but ready to embrace you again. Trust me, whatever the risk in your mind it will be worth the reward. After all the victory armor is yours for the taking. I’m stepping in. Won’t you to?