Two major milestones highlighted last week for me. Granted, they may not seem significant to you, but given my middle aged, not-cared-for body, and a personal history where I was told “you can’t” related to any physical activity, I feel like a gold medalist!

Before I tell you what I did (I’m told I inherited a flare for the dramatic from my paternal grandmother) I have to tell you what made the difference … or rather who made the difference. No surprise to those who know me but it was Lee Ann. She believed in me! She encouraged me! She affirmed my baby steps toward being fit and active! She never gave up on me and didn’t let me give up on myself! WOW! She blesses my life in so many ways and this is a good forum for me to tell her “thank you” yet again.

Okay, so the suspense is getting to you, right? LOL! What did I do? The first thing was to successfully hit the majority of the softballs at a local batting cage – two tokens worth. It was a lifetime first for me to step into the cage and a major accomplishment to hit most of the balls. Lee Ann made the difference … and I helped. I had to change how I was thinking about hitting the balls. I had to block the PE teachers from elementary school (nothing wrong with my memory) who told me year after year what a failure I was at hitting a ball with a bat. I had to choose to listen to Lee Ann who believed I could do it! And I did!

The second thing was to ride my bike with Lee Ann at our local state park (we missed Erica who opted to stay home)… hills and all (well, not the really steep ones, at least not on this trip). I had been dreaming of doing this – yes, literally dreaming about riding and only rain, illness, and a day at the beach got in the way. Finally on Saturday we strapped the bikes onto their new rack and off we went. The more I rode the more I wanted to ride! And my “coach” was there each peddle of the way with suggestions that made it easier on my knees and even more fun. I can’t wait to go back!

As I reflected on these two events I recalled just a few of the many times another encourager in my life empowered me to triumph. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). The acceptance, love, forgiveness, grace, hope, joy, and peace Christ desires for each of us is life altering indeed! How thankful I am for Christ in my life. And recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) I am thankful for Lee Ann and others who help me keep growing.