what i was reminded of on a run

Today is hot. H-O-T. So I waited until tonight to go running. I was very much in the mood to run, so though it was still quite warm at 8:30 I strapped on my running shoes, carefully on my bandaged left foot. I have a recovering blister on my left foot so I was prepared to deal with a little sting while I ran. However, not long into the run the pain became uncomfortable but I was not prepared to stop. I felt compelled to continue. I had to come up with an improvisation if I did not want to cause myself too much pain. I ran to a nearby park, took off my shoes, and ran in the grassy areas around the park barefoot. My bandage came undone during the course of my run and occasionally blades of grass would brush the raw skin, but nonetheless my foot felt little pain. Even while running barefoot isn't the best on your feet or muscles, which I will be feeling tomorrow, it was liberating and satisfying, which I will also feel tomorrow. While I ran I listened to the music from the Elizabethtown soundtrack. One of my favorite songs from the soundtrack is "Same in Any Language" by I Nine. "It's the same in any language wherever you go."
Language. Language will present itself to be a barrier in Argentina. While English is a widely spoken language in most countries, we will be working with many uneducated who have not had the opportunity to learn English. And my Spanish-speaking skills are much less than fluent or even conversational. But I was reminded while running free listening to this song that love has the capability to be expressed beyond the confines of language. Love is the same in any language, wherever you go because love does not need language to be expressed. Love is action; feeling put into action or choice put into action. Actions vary whether by word or deed. And this I do think about love, too; love breaks through barriers.
And it was not too long ago that God seemed to be telling me that love would break through my own barriers with this experience. And I anticipate that I will have to open myself up to be broken. I will be honest that a lot of times I feel that my expressions of love fall short from what I intend or what God intends. I am constantly yearning for a love that is more a reflection of His, longing that He would break through me with His love.
I was driving around town about 2 months ago, thinking about this next journey, when I had a God moment. Very vividly I felt God saying to me that He was going to use this experience to teach me a new idea of love, a new way to love. This may seem simple to you, but it was profound in that moment and is something that God keeps bringing to my heart.
As I was running I felt the intensity of this idea reiterated.
Running isn't easy. The hard part is when you hit the wall in the run- physically or mentally. But I've learned in my running that if I push myself and keep running I can break through the wall and in fact in doing this I regain my energy and a boost of confidence. And it only take a couple minutes after a good run to feel the adrenaline rushing through me, the endorphins energizing me- the runner high. No matter how hard or light the run, I typically always feel good and motivated afterward. I am able to appreciate the run and its challenges.
This growing experience will be hard. Letting go and letting God go and break me, break my ideas in order to replenish His will be challenging, I know that full well. But I know, too, that it will give me a new spirit and strength that more resembles His. Argentina will be a beautiful and challenging run that I will be able to look back and appreciate with all the God taught me. I believe that. And I think that's what I got out of my run tonight.
Oh that His love may be more evident; that His love might speak in any language wherever you go, breaking through the barriers.

Corredora de Dios