It’s Thursday, and I’m tired…weary, but I woke up feeling that way.

After a morning of meetings, we spent a couple of hours in Ikea. I love Ikea, but it’s overwhelming - but I guess 300,000 plus square feet of domestic accoutrement can make you feel like you’re in Heaven and…not - at the same time.

We have another Home Team meeting tonight - last night’s was incredible. I told Byron on the way home, “We may be a smaller group than we were a year ago, but we’re stronger and more determined - you can build a church on a group of committed people like that!”…and we are. And tonight, I know, we’ll be inspired and encouraged again.

But, still, I’m weary - maybe tonight I’ll sleep more than a few hours - maybe tomorrow I’ll eat the way I should - maybe I won’t let little things stress me out or other people’s “issues” affect or offend me…maybe.

It’s a long and winding road…

Of course, even in the weariness, there’s gratefulness - a lot of gratefulness for all the reminders along the way that I’m not alone. Every friendship that has weathered the many storms of past seasons; Every loyalty - every selfless sacrifice I’ve witnessed; Every time someone chooses to put others before themselves and their own comfort; Every smile. Every tear…

There is so much to be grateful for in this journey. So I will choose to make those things my focus, and remember to breathe…(and remember Stillness’ Whispers).

When I ran “track” (Yes, I did - don’t be a hater!), I always gravitated to the short events - the sprints. When it came to the long-distance stuff, I always struggled…I would just want to give up - NO MARATHONS FOR ME!!! But, apparently, God has other plans because this “journey” is a marathon, and I have to learn to pace myself, remove hindrances, not look back, focus on the finish line and…RUN. It’s the only way to get to the other side.

And, along the way, God sends “water breaks” - friends that are like “aloe for the soul”. He also reminds me that, although my journey is personal, I’m not running alone - there are many others in this race with me. So, I pray that I’m never the “weak link”,…

I know God will give me the strength I need - beyond that, I will do my part to keep my eyes on the prize…

Thanks to all of you who continually come along side of me and lift me up. I’m grateful…tired, but grateful.

Peace.