So today I went running in the park. It was a lovely afternoon, not a cloud in the sky, a gentle breeze. Rather picturesque.
I was very excited to be out on the trails instead of in my neighborhood and I was determined to make the best out of my time there. But, about 2 miles into my run, I got this horrible headache. Like, almost as bad as the post-concussion ones I had been having a few months ago. I tried to push through it but ended up just making things worse. So, I took my iPod headphones out, took a few deep breaths, and started walking back to the trailhead.
Whenever I run I am usually very intent on what I am doing and where I am that I pay little attention to the people around me. I’m either listening to music or saying a rosary or just pondering life, and I don’t usually take the time to say hi to everybody I pass.
So on the way home today I was going a lot slower than usual because I didn’t feel great and I couldn’t really stand to listen to music since my head was pounding so much. So I just walked along, enjoyed the nature, and smiled to be friendly to everyone I passed.
Well, I walked by this older lady who was by herself on the trail, and after I passed her she turned around and stopped me.
“Sweetheart, I just want to say thank you.”
So of course, I was a little startled. Creepy old lady touching me….like what?
“For what?”
“Honey, I haven’t had someone look me in the eyes or smile at me in weeks. It’s just so good to know that there are people who care to share their happiness.”
It just really struck me the difference that a single smile can make.
And the way that God uses the little things in our lives to bring joy into others. What I thought of was just a killer headache and a messed up run became an opportunity to share the joy that Christ brings to my life with someone who felt lonely.
That encounter wouldn’t have happened without the headache and the slowing down.
And I just need to remember that God’s picture is so much bigger than mine.
So today…
Think about the things in your life that you still hold on to. The things that you aren’t quite willing to give up control of. The things you complain about, the things you worry about.
School stress. Work stress. Family stress. Whatever..
If we truly believe that our God loves us and that He is the God of this universe, it is not worth our time to put our energy into worrying about these things.
That’s wasted energy.
Abandon those things into the arms of your Creator and realize, just for a second, that you can really do nothing without Christ.
Without those burdens weighing upon your heart, there’s suddenly room for a little more love.
Jesus loves you so much(: