Friday, March 14, 2014

Disappointments come and go ...


Discovering how to run your physical race and your spiritual race -- at your own pace!

Running my race in Istanbul, Turkey 2008


Honestly, I did not feel like writing a blog this week.
But I also know there is someone out there in 
Blog Land that needs to hear a few encouraging words.  
Words you have heard before, 
but perhaps you need a reminder.


Life is full of disappointments.
 Some big.  Some small.
 Throughout my seventy-two years, 
I have had my fair share of them.  
Jobs.  Marriages.  Children.  Friends.  Pastors.  
This week I had a big one.  
My heart responds in love and best wishes.  
No judgement.  
No details.   
No theology.  Only simplicity.

I do want to share a few words from my heart.
Going through another disappointment, I am again reminded ...

Man will disappoint.
 Jesus never disappoints.
We respect those in authority, but we cannot idolize them.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, not man.
Then when disappointment comes,
He is there to comfort us.

With disappointment, 
comes discouragement, 
perhaps even a time of mourning the loss that you have incurred.  
It's alright to shed tears, cry, weep.  
But afterwards, there is peace in knowing that you 
shall continue the race that God has set before you.  
God has given each one of us a mandate from heaven, 
no matter how big or small we think it is.  

Life goes on. So must we.  
Surround yourself with those who will comfort you, 
but at the same time, 
they'll encourage you to 
continue on the path that God has prepared just for you.

I wish you waves of encouragement and oceans of hugs!

Running my first 10K race
with my running buddy in
Los Angeles, CA 1978

... Let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

  
The new me!

3 comments:

Susan said...

I was thinking about all of my dear friends his week. Knowing how this effects me and I am on the fringes... Through all the whirlwind of questions and the winds that blow to shake us, God righted the ship and and declares!! STAND FIRM, HOLD FAST TO THAT WHICH IS TRUE... FIXING MY EYES ON JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH!!

Love you precious friend,
Thanks for posting!
Susan

Deborah H. Bateman said...

Thanks for sharing from your heart Sharon. I'm sorry for your disappointment and the pain or sorrow it caused you. I'm happy that you're connected to the healer of all our hurts who can see us through all the storms of life. May God bless you as you continue on this journey of life.
Blessings,
Deborah H. Bateman

Sharon Leaf said...

For every storm I travel through, the closer to Jesus I am drawn. He shall turn my sadness into dancing. And I pray this for all of the many other people who are hurt and disappointed.
Thank you, Susan and Deborah, for your sincere concern. God has truly blessed me with dear friends, both near and far.

On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!