Do not fret friends. I will be posting my Training Camp blog very soon, so stayed tuned.
But first…
Here is story from about a month ago. It is beautiful, simple, and a friendly reminder of God’s perfect timing.
8.29.17
What a way to spend a day off. Ear infection, 3 fillings (without numbing), and just rain and sadness. After this overwhelming and depressing morning, I asked Granny (my grandmother) if she wanted to do a little thrift shopping. It happened to be senior discount day at Value Village, which was the best news I had heard all day.
My goal was to find good quality and length appropriate clothes for the race. My only motivation at this moment in time was knowing that Netflix and a yummy bowl of ice-cream would be waiting for me when I got home and I could binge watch Reign for the rest of the day. (Inspirational, right?)
Well, little did I know what God had in store for me that day.
While I was trying on various types of long skirts and dresses in the dressing room, I noticed that there were two older ladies (mother and daughter) who had been talking to Granny for quite some time. They even trusted us to watch their belongings while they were in the dressing rooms. As I continued trying on more clothes and asking for Granny’s approval, I realized that it was not just Granny giving me feedback anymore, but as well as our new thrift shopping friends.
After much laughter and conversation, the daughter asked “Are y’all here for back to college shopping?”. Granny then hesitantly responded, “…well not exactly”.
Before you know it, I’m talking about the World Race and answering every question you could think of. I think they were more excited about my trip then I was. It was incredible.
So not only are we all hugging and laughing in the dressing rooms, but then the daughter pulls out money from her purse and challenges her mother to match the same amount. At this point I’m already crying and just in awe. I’m also wondering what the rest of the store thinks about us. Anyways that’s beside the point.
After I received their generous donation towards my race, the mother proceeds to share her testimony from this past year. She began by stating that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was struggling in all the ways possible, yet she claimed that her number one thing that kept her going every day was her faith and the love from her family. That same morning in the thrift store, she had received the news that she was cancer free. (*Cue mike drop).
First, praise the Lord y’all!
Second, man was my heart convicted. That entire morning all I did was complain and seek comfort from other places. Not leaning on the Lord and not receiving the love from my family. In that moment I felt my perspective and heart shift from frustration to gratitude.
I tell you this story, not only because it is beautiful, but also because I witnessed the Spirit of God just ooze out of these women. My oh my, do I want to be where they are. To be able sit and be at this place of contentment, praising our Father for who He is, and to have the confidence and trust that these women did. #GOALS
Meet my beautiful sisters in Christ!
With love,
Alyssa O.
