The past few months have felt like I’ve been running behind someone who’s running too fast for me but has such a firm grip on my hand that I can’t help but try to run with them. I can’t see where they’re going or what obstacles lay before them, and I can’t break away from them. The path is dark and narrow — claustrophobic.

I’m constantly ducking at the last minute or jumping over hurdles or running in the dark. My legs are tired, but they won’t quit. They can’t quit.There are moments of reprieve and rest, but it’s never long until I’m running again — blindly led by an unseen force pulling me along.

I don’t yet know where this path is going. It isn’t easy. There are tears of hurt, of anger, of frustration, and of desperation.  And just when I think I can’t make it any longer — the pace lessens, the path broadens, and the dark becomes light.

I made a choice days ago. A choice to persevere in spite of every voice in my head telling me otherwise. Because even in the unknown, there is one thing that is certain. Never have I run or stumbled or fallen alone. There are friends who run alongside me. It is not their path to run, yet they choose to run with me.

Peace be the journey.