Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: When the Going Gets Tough

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

When the Going Gets Tough

I was out of town for Labor Day weekend, but I still managed to squeak in a 3 mile run on Monday. I got Mr. Blue Eyes to go with me, and Grandma and the kids came along for a walk/ bike ride. It was fun! Almost like playing... especially since Mr. Blue Eyes decided to start out too fast and I kicked his bum in the end. I gave him a nice informative lecture on racing. It's all about the strategy, baby. He is getting faster, though, and I know if he was consistent, he'd be able to get faster than I am (which is oh-so-fast!).

I also had a few very stressful moments in my weekend with family...and all I wanted to do was get away and run. It made me realize how much of a stress reliever running is for me. I don't notice it much in my everyday life, but when the going gets tough, that's what my body wants to do. I didn't think going for a long run in flip flops in 100 degree weather without any water would be a good idea, though. I should pack an emergency running bag and carry it with me at all times...just in case!

3 comments:

Amy said...: Yay for beating your husband!!!

And I hear you on the stress relief. I used to let running stress me out (when am I gonna get my run in!!!!?!!!!) But now I use it as stress relief...much better!!!!; 7:10 AM
Amy said...: um, beating him running that is; 7:11 AM
Jess said...: I like the idea of an emergency running bag -- kinda like a first aid kit, right?; 7:46 PM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche