.
So, in those early weeks of running, the family dinner
conversation would often turn to the plans Emily and I had set.
Emily would express her doubts.
“It’s such a long way to run.”
“We will be racing with people who have spent years
running.”
“We will have to get up sooo early to race.”
“Maybe they will close the course before we finish, if
our pace is too slow.”
Do you think a 10 km race would be more realistic to aim
for?”
However, when we were actually running, she was a huge
encourager.
“You are doing great, mum!”
“That’s it, just keep going.”
“You can do it!”
“We are almost there, just one more corner!’
When I was sitting in my lounge room, I felt supremely
confident that I could accomplish my goal. I was excited and motivated and
enjoyed planning out my program. The doubts of others were easily countered.
When I was actually running however, my confidence would
wane. I was in pain, my muscles hurt, it was a struggle to breathe and I was
barely finishing one lap (out of my final goal of 8 laps).
I needed the encouragement in the midst of the hard work.
In the midst of the struggle.
In the midst of the pain.
Likewise with my parenting. it is in the hard moments
that encouragement and friendship is
most appreciated.
And needed.
