I make it onsite a little after 9am and immediately get to the run. Of course it's windy and cold by normal standards, but to those of us who run year round, it's actually a good day for a run. Hands are already cold but they'll warm up. As I turn to head up what I think is still called Lookout Mountain, I reflect back to chapter 1 of "It's Your Time" where Joel Olsteen shares the story of walking up the mountain. Well as soon as you come off the main trail you're greeted with the bottom of the hill. So you take a left and begin to climb this treacherous hill laced with tree stumps and protruding rocks. Plus it's muddy from the rain and there are puddles of water hidden beneath the wet leaves. It's definately a technical trail that will hurt you both mentally and physically if you're not careful. The hill continues it's winding path for about 1/4 to 1/2 mile before it levels off and loops you down the backside which takes you back to the main trail. The backside is just as treacherous because of the narrow path, the drop, rocks, and mud. So you end up running down the hill, dodging rocks, trying not to slip and fall into the mud patches, all while maintaining your balance and focus. Sounds scary huh? Wanna run it with me one day?

In the chapter he speaks on how hard it was to stay motivated to make it up the mountain and how he almost gave up at it's half way point. So as I'm running up the hill I think back to how long I've been running this trail and how I ALWAYS struggle running up this hill. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm in good or bad running shape I ALWAYS encounter a mental breakdown when running up this hill. Physically I'm fine, legs are starting to burn a little and I'm breathing a little harder, but that's all apart of it. For the most part I've always passed it off as me just "taking it easy" and not wanting to burn out before finishing the remaining 6 miles. In the chapter Joel makes the following statement:

"God has put dreams and desires in your heart."

What this particular statement he makes a reference to being a prisioner of Hope and breaking the chains and believing that He, God, is working in your life. Sweet!

So what I realized today was that I really don't struggle with this hill as much as I think I do; and that's because I never stop. There are definately times where I want to stop, and may slow down my pace, but I never stop. Today for some reason the voice in my head telling me to "push it out" and "don't quit", was louder than before. My lungs were burning from the cold air, my hands are starting to feel numb, and my shoes are already caked with the mud adding what seems like an extra 5 pounds to each of my feet yet I continue on to the top and down the backside before I'm back on the main trail some five (5) minutes later.

Now some would say "this dude's crazy" and ask "what are you doing running in this cold weather?" and "why that particular trail?". I chock it up to the challenge I needed to help charge my spirit for today. The other trail I run, Sweet Water Creek, isn't as technical as Sope Creek, so when I run here I know I'll be in for a longer more challenging run. The fact that this trail entered my subconscious shows that I needed this type of challenge to get me going. So I embraced it and kept it moving.
Now the voice I refer to was fueled by His desire to see me finish the request He put on my heart which was so simple of a request one would think why would He ask that of me? I can only hope that He knows what's troubling my heart and is positioning me to get through these trials in the best possible way. He leaves it up to me to stay firm in my faith and confident in my abiity to complete the task. He knows that I find comfort in running and therefore continues to Bless me and keep me upright and able to run, freely without restraint or restriction.

Also in the chapter he references Hebrews 10:35:

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward."

So my lesson for today was about staying in my faith and believing, hoping, and doing the right thing. I know my payday is coming and that when I get this way it's easily due to my impatience which causes me to falter, doubt, and question. As he mentions in chapter 1 still:

Instead of getting discouraged, you need to have the attitude to say, "I've come too far to stop now. I've been through too much to back down. I realize the pressure has been turned up because I'm about to give birth to my dreams!" Classic! I love it, for this is logic I eat, drink, and sleep. But because I'm flawed I sometimes forget and lose sight. This is where these simple words help in ailing a doubtful spirit. The last reference I'll make from chapter 1 states the following:

"Know that God has all kinds of ways to bring your dreams to pass."

Even though I already believe this in my heart I find that I still need it stated in a way for my spirit to interpret and Joel does this well. Again, all it takes are a few words to inspire and be inspired. So I'll remain a "Prisioner of Hope" and continue to abide by the lessons presented that are meant to mold and shape me into the creature I'm destined to be. I pray you do the same.

WOOOOW! Chapter 1 was awesome! Can't wait to get started on chapter 2.