Well I expected to get a little fitter if I ran for 30 – 40
kms each week. I also expected that my muscles would tone up and that I would
lose a few kilos. I had also expected that I would crave good food for fuel to
run and that my appetite would increase as I ran more.
I’m enjoying these benefits and love having extra energy
for each day and appreciate the overall sense of well being I now experience.
One benefit that I had not anticipated was the joy of
having 1 or 2 hours of concentrated thinking time three times a week. In the
busyness of a week filled with a family to care for, teaching, studying,
basketball, tennis, church and ministry, alone time is very rare.
I use this ‘head space’ time to pray for my family,
school, friends and church. I think through issues and process responses to
challenges in my week. This time for meditating, contemplating, quietening my
soul has been an unexpected gift.
I cherish this time of peace in my heart.
So how does this relate to the parenting journey?
I had a few expectations in the beginning. I knew there
would be lots of feeds, nappies, naps and messes in those early years. I also
knew there would be precious moments of laughter, hugs, smiles and memory
makers.
I had not anticipated the depth of the challenges to
myself. My emotions have been stretched beyond what I imagined – from times of
great despair in all-night prayer vigils for a wayward choice to the heights of
overwhelming gratitude for a wonderful achievement.
I am a different person due to the adventure of
parenting.
I’m glad.
