In a recent story titled “Runner aims to complete 50 marathons before losing her vision,” Penny Frey shared her journey of running a marathon in all 50 states while slowly losing her eyesight to a hereditary disease. With only four states remaining, Penny is determined to finish her goal while she can still see the beauty around her.
What struck me most about her story wasn't the number of marathons she’s completed, but her appreciation for something many of us take for granted: watching the sunrise.
In fact, this is what she said, “Every mile is a chance to savor the sunrise. I do, because I know someday I might not be able to see that.”
Penny knows there’s coming a day when she will no longer be able see the sun come up in all of its glory, so she makes a point to savor every opportunity she has to witness it.
In Ecclesiastes 11:7, Solomon (considered the wisest man to have ever lived) reminded us that life is a gift from God and that we should find joy in the simple blessings He places before us, saying “Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.”
Think about that for a moment. When’s the last time you thanked God for the warmth of the sunshine and the beauty of a sunrise?
How about the time spent with loved ones, or even the ability to get out of bed each morning? These are blessings we often overlook because we assume they will always be there.
But they won't.
"whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14 NKJV
James reminds us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This means we aren't promised tomorrow, which makes today all the more precious.
I don’t know about you, but Penny’s story reminds me that I shouldn't wait until I’m about to lose something to appreciate it. None of us should.
Hence the reason you and I should wake up each and every morning recognizing that every breath, every sunrise, every opportunity to love and serve others, and every moment spent in God's presence is a gift.
“From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3
So be thankful for the sun and the Maker of it today my friend. And then don’t forget to thank God for all of the blessings you can see, to trust Him with the all the things you can’t see, and to praise His holy Name for all of it.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways you bless us. Help us to meditate on all those ways that we would not take any of them for granted. Lord, help us to start each and every one of our days with thanksgiving and praise and to end each and every one of our days with thanksgiving and praise. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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