Transform from within

I have been writing a few drafts for this post. I want to talk about the parallelism between training, suffering and living as a Christian. I want to talk about my best moments this season is the experience and not necessary the time or the result. But I keep getting a mental block.

Yesterday was the first time I did any sort of exercise after my last race. Just a bike ride with some friends. I signed up for Niagara On-the-Lake duathlon (4 km run/23 km bike/4 km run). It will be great. I got a few things to do to make it super fun..(only pics can tell). This Sat, there is a kid's triathlon in my city. I want to help out but so far the Race Director hasn't responded back to me. Oh well, I still going to go and see the kids in action.

I have gone through a few tough situation.

Going to interview and have them turn down b/c the job is filled already.
- This morning checking the bank account and realize I have to tighten up the cash outflow to fix my teeth permanently.
- And a personal issue with a friend that is too touchy to talk about it here.

Through it all,I ain't upset. It is odd.

I have been feeling calmness and peace inside me.

I guess this is part of the growth that I have been facing. Take that interview for example. I still remember how strong I was praying to God before walking into the building. I told God, 'whatever happen, let it be. I will be grateful.'

I ain't bitter about what happen. Not even one bit.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul instructed to 'give thanks in all circumstances'. (here Paul is giving last instruction to the Thessalonians to stay and remain to be strong Christian and live with faith.

I subscribe to Jenny's blog. I want to copy her style and end this blog with a letter to God.

Dear God,

Stay with me during the hard times and the joyful ones. I pray that my faith will stand strong despite all challenges. By myself, I am weak. But with you Lord, with the Holy Spirit, I have the strength and the passion to set me on fire. That I will be strong. Strong in sharing my faith, help others grow and the courage to detest sin and dismiss evil.

I thank you for the great gift You have bestowed upon me. The liver transplant. The second chance. I thank you for protecting me from the element on race day and training. For giving me the time and resources to train. For giving me the internal strength to keep moving.

I am in awe of your creation. The human body. The potential is limitless. I have only tap just the tip of the glacier. I pray that my actions on and off the field will give hopes to the sick and dying. The same hope that You have given me.

Please protect me from my ego and my pride. Keep me sensitive to those around me. That I can share the love to them as You have share yours with me. I don't deserve this life at all. I will be happy and willing to fulfill the role you have given me. Big or small.

Cliff