Inspired

I was incredibly inspired on Sunday as I sat and listened to friends and family share about the amazing life of a woman named Barbara Warren. I didn't have the privilege of knowing her personally, but my good high school friend married her daughter and I had the honor of officiating their wedding in 2003.

Barbara went home to be with Jesus in August after a tragic bicycle accident during a race. She was an incredible athlete--completing Ironman triathalons, bike races, running through the desert among much, much more.

As I listend to her loved ones share, it made me reflect on my own life and relationships. I want to share a few of my insights with you, in hopes that you can be inspired too.

Considering myself a "novice" runner, I was of course inspired by the amazing feats Barbara accomplished. She never stopped training. She never stopped pushing herself just a little more. She always believed she could win...and most often she did. Barbara won her 60-65 age division in the Ironman Triathalon a few years ago. I do love running and competing. I hope that it's something I can continue to do and do even more as my children get older and more self-sufficient. I'm inspired not just to run, but to become more of a competitor. The next Mud Run is about 4 months after my baby is due. I think my goal is going to be clock a faster time than I did this year!

Barbara's daughters shared how as they spent their last moments with their mom in the hospital, there was nothing that had been unsaid in life. There were no necessary "last words" because they had shared everything with her and she with them. What an incredible thing to be able to say. Even if they hadn't had those last moments with her, there would have been no regrets of something left unsaid. I pray that I live my life the same way--that I share all my love and thoughts with those around me and that I am open to hearing all they want to share with me.

After a particular challenging training session for a race, Barbara encouraged a teammate, saying "Who you are is God's gift to you. Who you become is your gift to God." I wonder, what kind of a gift am I to God right now? How can I make my life a better gift to him? How can I live my life in a more worthy manner? How can I make a difference in the lives of those around me?

Peppered in each story of Barbara's life--whether it was from a family member, a teammate, a collegue, they spoke of her love for the Lord and it was evident that her relationship with Christ was woven into every segment of her life. Oh to have similar stories shared about me one day.

Barbara's life ended tragically and suddenly--but I have no doubt that God is using her story, and will continue to, to inspire and encourage others to be the best they can be, to live every moment to it's fullest potential and to do it all loving God.

I am thankful to have the small connection to her life that I do, and to have been able to hear all who shared.