Running in Your Own Lane

I try to find a few minutes each morning to read a passage in this 90-day devotional I have called "Daily Steps for God Chicks."  It's great - easy to relate to and keeps me thinking during the day.  Today's topic was about running in your own lane... living your own life...not trying to live like or as someone else.  

It was using the analogy of sprinters at the Olympics.  They MUST run in their own lane.  In fact they get disqualified if they run in anyone else's lane.  She then posed the question, "How many of us are trying to get through life running in someone else's lane?" 

She speaks to the fact that each of us are supposed to do great things on earth.  We are given different gifts and different tools with which to do those great things. Coincidently we talked at a group I am part of yesterday about using and knowing our OWN talents.  The woman leading our group is really an inspiration to me and knows exactly what her talents are.  She is so sure of herself but not in a pompous or conceited way - in a beautifully confident way.  

I know I've wasted time in my life being who I think I should be... running in other lanes, running other people's races.  I could be wrong but I think most of us do this to some extent.  I believe it's why growing up can be so affirming.  It's why Oprah said "50 is the new 40!"  We have been around long enough to get to know ourselves, discover what our talents are, what our purposes are and how to make the most of our time here on earth.  

I hope I can be that confident, sure woman for my children - especially my girls as they grow older.  I've got a ways to go but every step in my OWN lane, running my OWN race and not glancing behind me or to the side will help me get there. :)