A Pick Me (rather them) Up

So the second day of my "being thankful" journey leading up to my one year since surgery. Last year I had a hard time picking them up. Them, being the three time humans I am slave to. Now however I can pick all three up and spin, jump and romp around. 

In this picture I couldn't lift anything over 5 pounds (2 weeks post op)

Let's just say this morning I am lifting far more than 5 pounds

I can't explain how important physical strength is to me. I put a lot of my identity in being stronger, faster and tougher. When I get sick (usually from the Crohn's) or am hurt (really any body part) I get too deep into my own mind. I have learned a lot from God this year, one huge lesson is that strength isn't just physical. Some of the strongest people are the most physically frail. Today I am celebrating the strength:physical, mental, spiritual and emotional that God had given me this year.

-I went through the heart ache of loosing my leg and identity as a "college athlete", and I am better for it, God had me work for it to develop the strong muscles I have now.

-I had a weakened immune system and had to own up to having Crohn's which more often than not I get crap from people that I put myself in flair ups.  God used this to strengthen my mental toughness.

-My heart was broken for the first time this year. At the time it felt like it broke all of me but God used it to develop me as an individual both spiritually as well as causing me to be more tender hearted and grow emotionally. I am learning to be an independent adult(calling my mother every day of course).

God didn't leave me alone through all of this, he gave me a "team" here on earth in the form of family, friends and doctors. What is the world would I do without them! They were like my personal trainers here on Earth spurring me on and pushing me forward. They deserve much more praise than I for who I have become.

This Katie is far stronger than the one from age 20 and before. This Katie is more confident in the strength she has because I know it isn't mine. It is the power that the Lord gives me by developing all of my weaknesses. I had to hit, what I perceived to be, rock bottom in every area of my life for me to start the brutal strength training He had is store for me. 

21-year-old Katie is just the beginning of who I will be in the future. I think the longer I submit to God the stronger I will become. I Started the year defeating the odds and running 0.25 miles straight. I will end the year running 26.2 in my first marathon. Lord willing!

Today I celebrate the strength I have to be picking up the munchkins (three of my toughest coaches) as their nanny they have never accepted any excuse of mine if hindered them from the zoo or play ground. Little slave drivers!