One of my daily habits is to sip my first cup of coffee as I read the Bible. I'll admit, I'm groggy until I get a couple of sips down, so I usually have to go back and re-read the first few verses!

Here's what I read today: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus), and through him (Jesus) to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:19-22).

 As I ran this morning I thought about reconciliation. A definition of from Merriam-Webster is "restoring to friendship or harmony." But the Greek defines two root words. Apo - of separation of a part from the whole; and katallasso, to change, exchange, as coins for others of equivalent value, to receive one into favor.

A quick mental video played out of a beautiful crystal vase, falling to the floor, shattering. And then the hands of the Lord picking up every single fragment. Reconnecting the fragments to one another until the vase was completely restored to its original beauty.

 My prayer for each participant in The 26 Challenge is that you see yourself beautifully reconciled to Christ by His love and His grace. In your running, skipping, walking, cycling - whatever you're doing to cover 26 miles - I pray that God will show you what's NEXT for you. I know He sees in each of you as beautiful, unblemished, fully reconciled to Himself.

Blessings!