a pebble in my shoe
Saturday I was 
feeling a little stressed and went for a run to shake out the kinks, do some praying, and listen to some awesome music. I set a goal for myself for 4 miles. Beautiful day for a nice, easy run. Good plan right?
I was about 2 miles into the run and felt a pebble in my shoe. At first…no big deal. I was enjoying the scenery, music and talk time. My focus was clear.
After a few minutes though I began to get irritated. My thoughts were interrupted; I missed the lyrics of a song, and I was no longer paying attention to the conversation with my Father. All because I was now focusing on this stupid tiny pebble in my shoe! I thought to stop running and sit and remove it but knowing if I did, I’d just quit. It was my state of mind. I’d lose sight of completing my goal. I became mad at myself for letting such an insignificant thing knock me off track. I now wasn’t praying, I wasn’t enjoying the beauty around me, and certainly not de-stressing! I was now irritated.
God knows me. He knows what triggers my frustrations. He knows what and who makes me feel secure. I told Him I was sorry for being so easily distracted by an irritant. Obviously not for just the pebble in my shoe, but for the things that I allow to stress me out. Is there something in your life that has your focus off what is important? Can you no longer enjoy the journey because of something, or because of an event, or a person? Feel trapped because of circumstance, finance, relationships? Go run to your Father. He’ll carry you on this journey. The pebble in your life might be insignificant but that’s what you’ve focused on. Or it may be a huge burden or a life changer. For some of us, the pebble may even have to remain. But just maybe if we ask God to reveal our true feelings about it we may find there is resentment, frustration or a sense of having given up? Ask God to show you these things and for you to trust in Him, surrender to Him. It may even alter your attitude and offer peace along the journey.
Yes, I do have pebbles in my life and I am earnestly trying to be thankful for them. In a sense, they keep me hobbled and leaning on Jesus.
