Good Life

I ran four straight miles yesterday for the first time in my life. Anyone who knows me knows what an accomplishment this is. I am currently training for the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia on May 1st. I started off my training not even being able to run a mile. I remember the moment I ran my first ten minute mile a few months ago. It felt so good. But this post is not about my training. It's not about how I'm feeling better about who I am lately. Its not about how I'm learning more about my body by actually paying attention to it. No, its not about any of these things.


Over last summer in 2010 my Uncle Paul passed away. He parted a family that already lost their daughter exactly four years before that; my beautiful cousin Jenna. My brother Ricky and I were in the hospital when the nurse brought out the news that Paul was not going to make it. He passed away four days before the day that Jenna passed away four years ago. This family of four was now down to two. Beautifully strong Aunt Lori and Courageous David. For my Uncle Paul's memorial service my brother Ricky compiled a video of pictures together. Starting off this video was the song Good Life by One Republic. Its a perfect song.


As a family we are learning that life is good. That God's existence in this life is SO SO good. Living in a city and amongst friends with goals about getting the gospel out to a hurting world has been life changing. Philadelphia owns me right now and I love it. Until God says otherwise this is where I will be.


So as I ran the four miles yesterday I could not stop thinking about Paul and Jenna. I was missing Jenna in a way I haven't in a long time. I listened to the song Good Life over and over again. I ran the whole four miles only listening to that song. The reason I was able to finish running was because I could not stop feeling inspired by the lyrics and how they applied to every thing. I thought about how I have absolutely nothing to complain about. That this life really is going to be a good one.

Jenna and Paul