This was my first run since the marathon last Saturday. Surprisingly, I felt no residual pain in my legs and the blisters I had on my big toes didn't bother me either. I spent this week at our ward's Young Women camp as a priesthood leader. I volunteered since my wife and two of my daughters were attending. What a great decision that turned out to be. This was one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life. This was the only chance I got to run during the week. I started about 6am and just looped around the camp and the lake on some single track trails. What a wonderful experience. It was absolutely beautiful and the weather was perfect. Near the end, as I ran through the aspens near the lake as the sun was rising over the mountain I started singing one of my favorite Primary songs out loud: Whenever I hear the song of a bird Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose Or walk by our lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heav’nly Father created for me. He gave me my eyes that I might see The color of butterfly wings.
(as I sang a bird took flight near the edge of the lake)
He gave me my ears that I might hear The magical sound of things.
(I could hear the birds singing and frogs croaking)
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart: I thank him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part. Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me. What a wonderful gift it was from my Heavenly Father to be able to run in such beautiful surroundings, and to spend the week with such incredible daughters of God. Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me. | 