I saw myself in the kitchen window, the grey of rain darkened and made the glass a mirror.

I laughed, ha! surprised by my reflection. My hair was flat against my forehead, unattractive, like cafeteria lady or a shower cap.

I didn’t expect it, I thought it was just a misting rain, the driveway puddles barely rippled by the sprinkle.

I took a chance and the weather changed.

I was oblivious to the shower and ran without stopping all the way up the hill.

Ran with just a slight nod to the concerned neighbor who paused and the one turning in and braking, unsure whether I might be relieved by their allowing me to jump in.

I never slowed my rhythmic steps.

My face straightforward with the rain.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

No change in the depth of my breath, no adjustment of my pace or my mindset.

No thinking of not go on.

The rain showered cold against my face as I tucked my phone in a pocketless place, steady sound piping through thin cords swaying as I pushed on through.

In my ears, a chorus, “Break every chain, break every chain…

Break every chain.”

Sloshing through the puddled grass, I was back home, burst back in

Unchained and wet,

unfettered by the rain.

Its breaking of my chains.