Insights

During this marathon experience I have thought a lot about about my niece. I realized that she will face many challenges in life that will make it hard for her to do some things because she doesn't have full use of her arm. That thought hit home because even though I had all my limbs, I had lost a lot of movement in my leg and knee. Those simple things were difficult and, for a moment, I could understand how Aydrie would have difficulty learning to do some things. But at the same time she is learning to work with her handicap, allowing her to do many things. I knew I was fortunate to have a body that was, yes, injured but that could still do so many things and I knew I could still find a way to overcome this challenge!

I also gained such an appreciation for my body. I have thought about how our bodies are put together each part having a specific job. Our bones support our bodies. Our joints make our skeletons flexible. Our muscles and tendons help us move. Everything is connected and works together. Our bodies are complex but amazing. Our bodies are a gift from God.

As I have thought about the pain I have endured in my knees I have reflected on Christ. The pain I felt is nothing compared to the pain He has endured on my behalf. I know my suffering doesn't compare to what He suffered. Even though His was so much more difficult than anything I will be asked to do, He fufilled his mission. I felt that I could accomplish my goal with His help and only with His help. I know I couldn't have made it on my own. I had done everything I could possibly do to prepare for the race but when all was said and done, there were still moments where I relied on my Savior. He made up the difference when my knees were spent and He allowed me to finish. I have felt my Heavenly Father's and Savior's love for me. Heavenly Father allowed me to finish this race because he knew it would bring me joy and "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

I thought back to the beginning of the race and compared that to life on earth. We all come here to experience the ups and downs of life as families.We hope we make righteous choices that allow us to make it back to our heavenly home. We wish and hope for a glorious reunion on the other side. We all want to make it to the finish line. Will we do what it takes while we are here on earth? I know if I put in the amount of time I devouted to training for this race into feeding my soul spiritually, I would be a completely different person.

The weeks following  the race I reflected on the song When Someone Cares, specificly the chorus.

For with God nothing is impossible,

But you must reach and take his hand.

With God nothing is impossible

Those who have ears to hear will understand.

The blind could see. The lame man could walk away.

And lives still change from night to day

When they know that someone cares.

I have truly realized that nothing is impossible as you turn to the Lord for help and strength through the challenges we face in life.