Amy’s runs: Friday, 3 miles on a treadmill in Kentucky; Saturday, 5 miles on a treadmill in Chicago (dedicated to Josh and Gretchen, photo by Gerald and Airika Pope http://www.geraldpope.com) This was the first time I approached 3 miles and got excited to
continue running rather than excited about being able to
stop. I
mentioned that if I would dedicate runs to people who were on my mind if unable to run with them. Saturday, I had my first “dedication run” because of an email I received on Friday.
When I “met” Josh, I was living in China and he was just a “character” on Gretchen’s Facebook page. After 6 months of keeping up through FB status updates mentioning cross state jaunts and flights around the Northwest to see family and friends, this “character” proposed to Gretchen. Six months later I had the pleasure of attending their wedding in Seattle. The only time I’ve met Josh was during their wedding weekend. I crossed paths with Gretchen 8 years ago when we spent a week together at
Taize, a community based in simple living and prayer in southeastern France. Over the years, I’ve seen Gretchen a handful of times, and talked to her on the phone about 3 or 4 times a year. We are not “everyday” friends, but our conversations are always honest, real and loving. There’s something about our relationship that allows us to go straight for what is most heavy on our hearts and laying it out there. It is no surprise to me that her husband would follow in suit.
In his email on Friday, Josh outlined his current career situation (a time bound position ends in May) and what he’s looking for in the future. He asked for help. It wasn’t so much that he asked, but what stuck me was the humility in his request. Never once did he mention the terrible economy or a fear of the unknown. He opened his heart, was sincere, asked for help and trusts that God be faithful in answering prayers.
I am continually inspired by a couple who has such a faith in each other and God that they open their hearts and minds to whatever opportunities lie ahead. This is not to say that they are passively waiting for God to strike down and land a new job in his lap. Josh is humbling asking for help from friends, seeking vocational counseling for guidance and intentionally focusing on making a career choice that fulfills his heart, mind and body. I can picture Gretchen holding his hand – through the laughter and tears – as they navigate this part of their life as a family together.
My days are not grounded in a faith in God so strong as Josh and Gretchen, or at least I don’t call it “God.” My faith is an openness to asking questions, seeking truth, experiencing events and knowing that if and when I’m ready to awaken my spiritual soul, as it relates to an established faith, I have a number of friends in many different faiths who will be there for me. Josh, Gretchen, faith, the reflection of my bobbing ponytail and the bright blue of the pool water kept me company on my 5 mile treadmill run. It was the best run of the week.
Josh and Gretchen, I am honored to have you in my life and for me you serve as a model for faithfully finding the way. Thanks for including me in your journey. Love, Amy
p.s. Just to be clear: all conversations, whether on a run or otherwise, and emails are not subject for blog topics! Josh and Gretchen gave me permission to post this piece. As always, I thank them for being an inspiration, and hope that this resonated for some of you, as well.
Josh’s job current is a Resident Director at a liberal arts college in Washington state. His position is limited to 4 years and he is interested in interested in continuing in Higher Ed or non profit work having to do with food, education or spiritual care. Can you help? If you can,or know someone who can, please send me your email (amy.throndsen@gmail.com) and I’ll connect you with Josh.
Amy’s Runs: Tuesday, 3m treadmill run; Wednesday, 90 minutes of hot yoga with Molly, Bridget and Megan; Thursday, 3m treadmill run; Friday, rest; Saturday, 7m run with Bridget through Georgetown, Rock Creek Park Trail, down the Mall to the Capitol; Sunday, 3m run on the Mall and Dupont with Bridget and 90 minutes of hot yoga. (Hot Yoga was at Bikram Yoga Dupont)
