Sunday, May 4, 2008

8K

I decided a little bit last minute (about two and a half weeks ago) to run a little 8k (4.8 miles)this past Saturday with my fellow pastor's wife and good friend, Katie Mayward.

She and I had a great time running and didn't do too shabby! I was able to run it in about 42 minutes and I was pleased with that time for the short amount of time that I had trained. "Coach" Lee and Katie's husband, Joel, were also there to cheer us on and support us and we had a lot of fun hanging out with them all evening.... (Aaron stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Fox for the evening) Since Lee and Joel are pastors, this is a huge sacrifice to stay out late on a Saturday night - we must be very loved! =) Not to over-spiritualize things, but as I was running, I was reflecting on a few things that I hadn't thought about for a long time and I was so grateful for God's faithfulness. Some of you know that after my labor and "push-time" with Aaron, I had some paralysis in my left leg to the point where I couldn't walk or stand on it. I can't tell you how scary it was for Lee and I to not have any answers for a few days as many doctors and specialists came and went running tests trying to figure out what was wrong - We had a new baby to care for and I couldn't even get up to change him or carry him. I ended up being diagnosed with a rare condition called "Bilateral Postpartum Femoral Neuropathy" (Whew - you can click on the link to read a wordy medical article on this syndrome if you are into that sort of thing =) ) Anyway, the nerves in my leg gradually healed over the next few months (mountain biking definitely helped speed up the process) and I am totally back to normal. I know that God would not be any LESS faithful had my leg never healed, but it was such a blessing to me to run on two good and strong legs last night and thank Him for that wonderful gift.

Anyway, I know it sounds cheesy, but I felt like God and I had a special moment out there while I was running. I can be very neglectful to remember what God has done for me, and I was reminded of His goodness once again last night!

"I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate on all Thy work, and muse on Thy deeds..." (Psalm 77:11)
(Thanks for the verse Kyle =) )

And for all of you Aaron lovers that really only read this to hear about him, I threw in a random pic for you. Incidently, we found out this week that he is mildly anemic so now he is on a daily iron supplement - which I hear can do interesting things for the digestive system, so I'm definitely thrilled to be on the receiving end of that, no pun intended.... =)

7 comments:

Kristie said...

I am very impressed by your running ability! I feel like I'll never be able to run that far again (not that I necessarily ever could....????) Anyway, it looks like a fun time! And what a great testimony of God's faithfulness to you. Thanks for sharing.

Joel Mayward said...

You and Lee rock. Period.

Tousley's said...

Meliss...that's a really cool story. Yeah for those little moments where we actually acknowledge and remember God's faithfulness!

Dana said...

42 minutes? freak of nature!! i am so proud of you and Katie- how lucky i am to be part of an awesome group of pastors' wives and ones that run too. can't get much better than that =) i am going to have some work to do next year to be able to catch back up with you and katie!

Trudy said...

Way to go Melis, yea!!
Love you,
Trudy

Bling for the King said...

You did an awesome job!! I am so proud of you! Isn't it great to see so many similarities in running and our walk with Him?

Sara said...

wow...what an accomplishment for you, especially after your experience, truly inspiring!!!