Sunday, April 10, 2011

When less really is more.... Sharing in Mark's success

Again about one month has gone by between posts but today really was a fantastic day which connects my last post  - about doing more or giving up for Lent with the events of today.  My husband Mark made a decision about 5 months ago to get into better shape for himself, the kids and me.  Though he's hit many a milestone in the journey thusfar, today was a huge milestone.  Proof that when you are less,  you are really more!  Since November Mark has lost over 60 pounds ... much of it by living a more 'lenten' lifestyle. 

He's been making changes in diet but also running pretty much 5 or 6 days a week.  When he hit the 50 pounds lost point about three weeks ago,  I shared with him he had in essence lost in weight the equivilent of our son Joseph!

Being pregnant, I 've not been able to accompany him in this transformation as I'd like to but have tried to support by better menu planning, shopping healthy and making sure to the best I'm able, that he has the time he needs for his run each day. (That being said I would be remiss if I didn't note that the other thing there is less of for Mark - as if that is possible with 6 under 6 and the 7th on the way - and that is sleep.)  He's up each day at 5:30am and out the door for his run.  All this was to work to the goal of today - to complete a 10K run  - his first ever - and to do it in "under 90 minutes and no injuries".

Check out the video to see if my man in red (with bright green hat....) hit his target...


After finishing, he remarked to me that while running he was thinking that it should have been someone else doing this race, not him.  It didn't seem possible five months ago.  And yet as I teared up taking the video and watching the kids giving their dad high fives, I am reminded that nothing is impossible for God.  Mark started this change not really for himself or to build himself up but rather to be a better father to our children and better husband (as if that were possible) to me.  He's healthier, happier, smiles more often and is much more at peace. 

When I consider what the next month will bring - the arrival of our 7th child in 7 years of marriage - I'm filled with awe at what God has done and is doing with our family.  Sarah, our eldest daughter had made a bet with her dad.  If he can in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the race she would promise to be more obedient and he would promise not to yet at her ever again.  (BTW  - he didn't come in 1st, 2nd or 3rd...but we're still hoping on more obedience from Sarah thus requiring less yelling!) Mark didn't just run a race today - he gave a witness to me and to the kids of the truth in St. Paul's  first letter to the Corinthians (9:24). 

" Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  

It was clear to me and the kids today that the prize for which Mark ran today is not a medal or trophy but for something which will last much longer - to witness to his kids that he loves them enough to get healthier for THEM.  His weight loss is not a prize he's seeking for himself. He's making these changes as a means of thanksgiving to God for all which He is entrusting to us ; seven little souls.

I'm also so grateful that God has given us good friend along the way - two of whom helped me wrangle the crew at the finish line and two of whom accompanied Mark along the 6.4 mile route!  Here's a shot of the whole gang (save Lou who volunteered as photo taker).

The next "leg of the race" will be mine to rune - the arrival of Hart Baby Girl #3 on or around May 13th!