If it was easy, It wouldn't be worth it!

Today I decided to take a new route for my 'wrog'. The trail I usually take is a straight shot to the highway and then back the same way..kinda boring. So this morning, I went the longest way around the neighborhood I could find and it was pretty cool! The thing is, I stay in my own head while I'm walking, running, or wrogging lol. I keep thinking about how much father I have to go instead of realizing how far I've been and that is a big problem for me that I really need to work on. I have always been one to think about the easiest way to do things but that's also one of my faults for this very reason. During my walk today, I started thinking about the scenery around me and the music I was listening to and before I knew it, my 2.5 miles were done!

I believe God tries to show us often, that if we would open our eyes to the beauty around us, we would be a much more grateful people! If people would stop comparing this to that and her to him and really look into the person within, I believe marriages would last, I believe friendships would last, and I believe we would find it easier to grow closer to Him!

What do you see when you look into the eyes of a homeless person pushing a cart down the sidewalk, or the guy who cut you off on the freeway, or the coworker who took credit for your hard work? Do you see someone to pity, to tolerate, or to despise? Or do you see the face of Christ?? I would have to say it is beyond challenging to see Christ in some of the people we meet in the course of a day, and yet, that is exactly what we are called to do! Jesus said "Love your neighbor as yourself" but He didn't stop there. Jesus also gave us an even harder teaching that is the second part of the "greatest commandment."

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" He says.

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, EWTN Television host and Catholic author, said "I believe the only possible way we can discover Jesus in our 'enemies' is through God's grace and an effort on our part to act upon that grace and further, to commit ourselves to finding Jesus in everyone. This can only happen through prayer."

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

I have been thinking about more exercises I could be doing throughout the day alongside my morning 2.5 miles and my household chores each day. I have subscribed to this program called None to Run and it has been extremely helpful in learning what to do to eventually become a runner. I just received an email the other day with strength exercises for runners I'm going to start implementing as well.

My hope is that some day, someone who is struggling to see Christ in everything around them, will read these words that God is putting on my heart and come to know Him and bring others closer to Him so that He may be glorified! Even through the struggle of going for a morning walk, He is faithful in keeping my mind strong through Him. He is faithful in giving me the will to get up and go for these walks where I feel He speaks to me through the cool morning breeze and the beautiful trees around me..I can't help but see His beauty all around me when I keep my mind and heart on Him! I never said it was easy, but it is DEFINITELY worth it!!

Much love y'all! Until next time,

Kay