Misery as defined by Webster is "a state of great unhappiness and emotional distress". Pain on the other hand is "trouble, care, or effort taken to accomplish something".
I first heard the above quote from a pastor a couple weeks ago. The quote was so profound that I could not stop thinking about it. Misery versus pain can relate to so many aspects of life in general, and my life specifically. When I first heard this quote, my mind immediately went to running. Earlier that morning I had run 14.25 miles as a part of my preparation for my upcoming marathon. When I arrived to church someone asked me, "Don't your legs ever hurt?"
I quickly responded, "Yes, of course!"
This person then asked, "How do you push past the pain?" I tried to explain that some days are easier than others, that it helps to have a partner to talk to so they can distract you from the pain, and there are times when it becomes too much and you must walk for a bit. The pain is inevitable. Misery, however, is optional.
Throughout life we all experience pain; divorce, let downs, loss of a loved one, etc. It is up to us, however, to not allow this pain to turn into a state of misery. Too bad this is so much easier to say than do, right?! As I like to remember, "It is progress, not perfection" I am after.
Lord, please help me to choose to accept life's pain and to not allow it to turn into misery. Amen.
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On 09/15/12 at the Run United Live United 10k race,
my friend won 2nd place in her age division
and I won 1st place female finisher!
It was an exciting day for the kids too!
They ran in their first ever race
and came in at first and second place!
