That Seemingly Same Crushing Pressure…

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13

As a senior in high school, I rounded my sixth lap around the track on a cool spring evening. As I worked to keep pace, breathing became increasingly more difficult. I had been to doctors and had an artillery of different inhalers and inhalant systems. My diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma came as a big disappointment and yet it answered a lot of questions as to why running had been increasingly difficult since moving to Pennsylvania the previous year. There was a heaviness on my chest literally dragging me down. I just wanted to be able to breathe…

Teammates and coaches cheered me on as I passed their locations around the track. The race was long- 2 miles = 8 laps around the track.

I worked to mentally re-energize my mind, legs, and lungs for the final laps, but I wanted to quit…

This was not my first 3200m race and certainly not my last, but it was more notably difficult than any before, and any since.

Sometimes I feel that seemingly same crushing pressure on my chest caused by my thoughts about the tough stuff in life…trials, temptations, mountains to climb…all the good stuff… I may want a quick-fix of relief and may even seek one out through a momentary distraction. However, quitting at any level isn’t an option.

Not for me. I made that decision long ago and despite weaknesses in thought, I want to choose a better way.

I finished the race amongst the top three runners, placing and earning points for my team. I am certain no one watching that day saw how hard that race was for me. I didn’t want to quit because I was losing- I wanted to quit because it was hard – harder than I felt like it should be…

I’ve since learned to better understand the “invisible hards” in my life, knowing they are without a doubt present in the lives of anyone I meet. We all have them. An outward struggle that can be seen by others usually brings empathy, understanding, space, or extra love from anyone in our circle who knows and sees our struggle.

An “invisible hard” is different. Those “hards” are between us and God. Gratefully, a perfect loving Heavenly Father gave the world His Son. The path to finishing the race and triumphing over and through the “invisible hards” is always the same. It begins and ends with recognizing and choosing my Savior as my source of strength. I’m continuing to work to believe that in Him I can literally do all things- especially- and including the “invisible hards”.

-JC

Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispies Cookies

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soft butter
10 oz. mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
7 oz. marshmallow creme
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows in the microwave or on medium heat. Stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and marshmallow fluff. Gently fold in Rice Krispies. Spoon ¼ cup sized scoops onto parchment. Flatten slightly. Drizzle with a melted Hershey Bar and peanut butter as desired. 
Let set. Share!