Relay for Life 2008

"There's No Place Like Hope". That was our theme this year at Relay for Life. It was our second year and, thanks to our amazing team captains, we were even more successful this year than last. Our team raised more than $6000 and we took home the Spirit Award again this year (I'm sure it's a shock to you all). :-)

We were committed to having at least one team member on the track throughout the entire relay (which began at 10am on Saturday and ended at 10am on Sunday) and we nearly made it! During one of the times I was assigned to be on the track, I was walking with my dear friend, Wendy. Earlier in the day, I had spent about an hour walking the track alone and I had spent much of my time whining to God about some trials my family and I are enduring. I asked Him many questions and didn't spend much time listening.

Wendy and I were talking and had just begun to walk in silence when we noticed the people walking in front of us. A mother and daughter with signs on their backs that read: "I walk in honor of my daddy" and "I walk in honor of my late husband." That's all I needed to gain my perspective. The things I worry about are not eternal. The things I worry about (most of the time) are not really that important. But I so often tend to get caught up in the "what ifs" and "how comes". That one moment on a high school track helped snap me back to reality and I was able to slow down and be still in my heart...and only then could I hear God whispering, "Do you trust me?" Yes!

Wendy and I wiped our tears and I said a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all He has given me...so many things I take for granted. My relationship with Him, my husband, my children, my family and my friends.

So many people walking that track had lost someone dear to them...or they had to watch a loved one endure cancer treatments...or they themselves were fighting cancer or celebrating having beaten it and yet, so many of them have such a deep, enduring, intimate relationship with their Father. It was truly an inspiration to be able to be among those who are living testimonies to God's grace, comfort and love for His children.