Running into Spring

It is official. I have seen the first flowering blooms of the happy daffodils which for me indicates that Spring has arrived. I just love this bright yellow flower! It brings such a sweet joy to my heart. I call them the "happy flower." And whenever I tell my kids I have daffodil happiness, they know that I am very happy.

The daffodils prepare me for the coming resurrection. They remind me that Easter is just around the corner, the most joyous day for the Christian. Jesus died on the cross to save me from my sins and has risen to new life. From the depths of the grave He breaks forth. Death has been defeated. Jesus is the Victor and because of His death, burial and resurrection, I have experienced the New Birth and can now walk in victory. The sting of sin and death cannot hold me down and like the daffodils, by the merciful grace of God, I can break through the hardness of winter's soil into the warmth light of the Son! I can live and move and have my being in Christ. I can be filled with His Holy Spirit and thereby have the power to walk in a manner that pleases the Lord. And that is why daffodils make me happy!

As I ran last week, getting in 4 miles on Monday and 4 miles on Wednesday I saw the first of the daffodils that have bloomed along my course. This put a spring in my step and I enjoyed both runs. It was actually a pretty crazy and busy week so I was happy to get in those two days of running. Thursday was packed with appointments and meetings. We were able to visit for several hours with some dear friends from Moscow, Idaho who were passing through town. Then Friday was busy as well. I spent the afternoon at a local Christian school speaking to 4th - 8th grade girls and their mothers on the topic of modesty. It was a wonderful afternoon, but by the time I got home, I was exhausted from the week and decided I would run the next day. So, the next day came bringing snow with it of all things! I was hoping to run 6 or 7 miles, but not on my treadmill. I decided to run the next day. Sunday came and I got in a good 6 mile run.

Today is Monday and I'm feeling a little discomfort in my right knee. Not sure what that's all about, but one thing is for sure, I need to spend that Christmas money I received for new shoes and just go do it and do it this week!