You are a wonder...

 

Dear Wonder Women,

What a special day here in Chicago with the gift of Anna, Jason, and my mom here to cheer along the way (along with the incredible crowds here in the Windy City). While I had some pretty intense leg cramps to run through for a long stretch, my body gave me the gift of running with a smile through the miles and of finishing feeling strong.  I was grateful for quite a few fun quick stops along the way for photo ops to soak up the joy of it all (see here for some of them).

I will say that there was one point early on in the race when folks were cheering, “Go Wonder Woman!” at the top of their lungs as I ran by, and I got a lump in my throat wanting you all to hear those words FOR YOU.

So, below is my effort to pass along that blessing to you (written for you based on my reflections through the miles with you all in mind in the style of Kate Bowler’s blessings for those who know her work).

Blessed are we when we remember that no one does this journey alone and that we need each other to encourage and hold us up when we feel spent.

Blessed are we when we have the ability to see the joy around us (perhaps that is when we are passing a man running in a chicken costume at mile 8) and when we can embrace the silly and ridiculous. And blessed are we when we have enough grit to just focus on the next step because the pain is real.  

Blessed are we when we run the mile we are in and don’t worry about others around us, but we just keep our eyes focused on the next thing in front of us.

Blessed are we who can take ourselves lightly and rest in “good enough” rather than perfection.

Blessed are we when we hear the cheers of those around us who see the wonder that we are. May we really let it soak in and allow that delight to spill over to others who come across our paths.  

Blessed are we who are tender with ourselves and others because we know that everyone is facing some kind of battle.

Blessed are we when we know our limits and ask for help and sustenance for each step.

Blessed are we when we have a hand pushing us gently from behind and getting us to where we need to go. Blessed are we when we experience the joy of a finish line and know that it was a group effort from so many who loved us along the way.

Blessed are you who hold so much together for those whose worlds depend on you and who love with everything you’ve got. Blessed are you who keep on loving even through loss and heartache. Blessed are you who are faithful to the end for so many in your lives. You are seen, you are known, you are loved.

Blessed am I who have been surrounded by such wonder women.