Good morning, my Lord Jesus.

And thank you for this day.

At this very moment, I expected to be running a marathon in Las Vegas, in celebration of my 50th birthday.

I was blessed with an injury early on in my training that stopped me from moving forward with my goal.

Throughout the last 3 months, I had moments of tears, anger and disappointment. As a runner, I get so excited about the long run days. 10 miles, 14…this time, there would be 20.

I wondered how the long runs would have changed me, shaped my resilience.

How strong I would now be.

How much I would have overcome to be ready for this journey.

However, my Shepherd gently guided me in the direction of His Plan.

As I reflect on His love for me, I have this incredible overwhelming sense of peace.

I can’t help but feel gratitude for trusting His plan over mine once again.

As I journeyed through January, it was pretty dark. I was in pain and very depressed. 2024 was supposed to be “my” year. I had goals and was determined to do something big to celebrate 50.

February was also hard. Frustration and disappointment set in big time. Sometimes causing me to crawl back into old habits, old ways. I felt a growing lack of purpose and began sliding down the pit of self pity.

And then, I got a call at the end of February that woke me up.

My Mom’s health care manager called me with concern in her voice. Mom’s memory was getting worse. Her health was sliding downhill. And we needed to do something fast.

An opportunity had come about in a beautiful assisted living facility in her city. Her manager noted that they go very quickly. I explained we would be coming in a few weeks. She wasn’t sure it would still be open at that time.

I live 6 hours away from my Mom and there was no way to get there that week.

So, I prayed and waited on God for guidance.

Almost 3 weeks later, we pulled into Fargo to see my mom and tour the new place. The gal who guided us was in shock it was still open, as most places are filled within a day or 2!

This apartment had waited for my Mom for almost 3 weeks.

God had a plan.

We moved her in last weekend. Easter weekend. Just 3 days before her 88th birthday.

What a blessing!

As I have had time to come down from the journey and collect my thoughts, I can see it all so clearly.

God had a plan.

He knew the path my Mom was taking. He knew she needed me and that I needed this experience with her.

He knew if I was training for a marathon, my focus would be solely on myself and not on my loved ones.

He KNEW where I needed to be and how to fill my heart and continue to mold me into the masterpiece He brought me here to be.

And so, He directed me.

And I followed.

Willingly ❤️.

I can no longer see myself running down Mt. Charleston, I can’t remember why I wanted to be there.

I CAN know that I showed up for my Mom the past 3 months. To comfort her, guide her.

I CAN recall multiple times I was here- fully present- for my children, my husband and my dear family and friends.

I have enveloped myself with my aging Pup, Bolo, doing our morning yoga.

I have spent more time trusting and not worrying. Encouraging, not faulting.

And finally realize that the “purpose “ I was searching for as I approach 50 was within me all along.

To follow my Shepherd as He leads me through my time here. 🙏

To know that He is always loving me, showing me the way, and bringing me into His Light.

He has once again, given me more happiness and fulfillment than anything I could have ever constructed.

And for that, I am forever thankful.

I don’t need to travel to a foreign land, publish another book, or run a marathon before 50.

But; He already knew that.

I needed to wake up and see how much LOVE and LIFE My Lord has already sent me.

And now I do.

I will celebrate that!

Here I come, 50.

Show me your Glory☀️!

Blessings, friends.

Much love,

Linda💜