Finding your temple is not an exact science. It may not be in a church building, a Sunday School room, the Youth House. It's where you find your connection the most with God, where your eyes are finally opened to his glory. And your heart is truly grateful, joyful, just
full to the brim
. The church is there to teach us and our brothers and sisters are there to learn alongside with us, fellowship with us. I have had my special places, my temple places, since I was young. But I didn't realize I even had them until recently, the true beauty in them. It may not even be the actual place that's so sacred to me, but the thoughts and thanksgivings and introspection that occurs while I'm there brings the value.
1.
Introspection: Running on these trails and by tranquil lakes lends itself to pushing my limits. Testing my willpower as I convince myself it's mind over body with each step. It's so easy to stop, but it takes strength to push forward. The mindless action of one foot in front of the other, breathe in and breathe out, empties my mind of the worry I usually face, it's when I really do feel like it's
not all on me to solve all my problems. Running with my body ends the running of my mind.
2. Escape: The constant washing of the waves brings consistency when I cannot. When I'm here, I forget what day it is and what I've crossed off on my ever-lengthening to do list. I forget how many hours I have to work in the next week or how much money I have to pay for this or that. I forget the constant monster of not knowing what or where my next 4 years will take place. God gives me this place in order to forget the things I can never seem to.
3.
Joyfulness: Experiencing true joy is something that not everyone is graced with. In this field, with this animal, I'm no longer sunken in pressure to succeed, set by my own unreachable standards. Simply living, appreciating, experiencing what God has given me. It all happens here.
Letting go. Something I can't seem to be able to do on my own; letting go of my need to have everything in control and in order. Turning, reaching forward, and asking for full speed; flying above the ground weightless, staccato beats into the hardened clay, mane whipping in your face as your fingers lace through it, asking for more and more speed, taught muscles bunching and uncoiling beneath you, sheer power to be finessed with grace. An innocent animal with a soft muzzle, pricked ears, a soft nicker, and an unmatched heart. God blessed me with this creature to show me that I
can let go, it's possible. He allows me to experience the beauty of
not being in control, of just living for what you have.
