A Blessing in Disguise

It wasn't a choice, I was forced. All stretched out and ready to run, I pushed the play button and nothing happened. After tirelessly trying to get the thing to work, I regretfully decided to run without it. As I started out, I missed my music. I have been jogging and working out with my tunes for over a decade now. I felt like I had lost my running buddy. Without my very loud motivation blasting in my ears, I could hear myself breathing. I could hear my shoes on the pavement.  .Those were not the only sounds I heard though.  What a surprise I was in for!!

As I ran along, I heard birds - tons of them. I heard the huge trees that line our driveway and the gravel path that connects our property to my father in laws  blowing in the wind. 
 I heard the hoofs of dear....5 of them...yes I said 5… I counted! (We have named the deer that live amidst the 32 acres we have the blessing of living on)... scurrying off through the gravel path and trees.  I heard friendly dog barks and neighbors saying hello. Usually, when I'm running and I encounter another person they just smile and wave - because they see I have headphones on. But this time, I was able to exchange a greeting. I heard kids playing; water running in a creek, and cars driving by. (It hadn't dawned on my music filled brain before that not being able to hear approaching vehicles is a safety no-no.) Wow. I had been missing out on a lot of nature's "noises".

But it doesn't stop there. My mind was clearer - more open - more receptive. Even....pure. My form was actually better because I wasn't stopping every 2 minutes to mess with my iPod. I traded the sounds of  pianos, guitars and drum solos for the rejuvenating song of the wild. I could pray and actually get a response. I could think about something other than lyrics. I felt refreshed, free. All while trotting down the road in my Nike's.

That reminds me....Several  months ago my computer died. It was long over due and I'm surprised it didn't happen before it did.  In between reading books, quilting, cleaning, and laundry - I frequented the computer chair. And since we live in the country, and choose not to get a daily newspaper and since  I don’t have friends that are close by,  the internet and Facebook  were my way to “connect” with everyone and catch up.  It's also where I found the good, the bad and the ugly in the news.  

 Until I got that black computer screen staring back at me,  that is. Oh yes, I was frustrated for a few days, but again, I was in for some good stuff. Literally, not having a computer at my fingertips all day long - changed my life. I spent more time reading, writing. I worked on Beth Moore Bible studies and I found that I prayed throughout the day, not just for a few minutes in the morning, or before my eyelids closed at night.  I mean I REALLY prayed. And I changed.  I’d like to think, for the better.

A blessing in disguise. Hmmm. There seems to be a theme here, doesn't there? Strip a girl of her music and her internet and you get a humbled lady more in tune to God than she ever thought possible. A lady that, even though she doubts and questions - can see the handy work of a Creator taking distractions away - and replacing them with none other than.....Himself! And I'll take Him over technology any day :)