The “PIVOT” scene and “The One Where Phoebe Runs” are two of the most memorable Friends episodes. So much so that now every time we try to move large pieces of furniture, we instinctively yell “PIVOT” with that exaggerated Ross tone of voice.

Most recently while on the Lafayette Rim Trail, I had just reached the top of the steepest climb as a new pumped-up version of “Joy to the World” came on my iPod. As I was now on the descent and my favorite part of the trail was in front of me, I was actually giddy. I not only ran faster but freer, if that makes sense. No one was watching. I was alone on the trail. I didn’t care about running form or how I looked. It was one of those rare moments in which I could’ve laughed, cried, shouted, sang, leaped, skipped, and ran simultaneously.

I love Phoebe’s response when Rachel tried to apologize for being embarrassed to run with her:

“That’s okay Rachel. I’m not judging you; that’s just who you are. Me. I’m more free y’know? I run like I did when I was a kid, cause that’s the only way it’s fun. Y’know, I mean didn’t you ever run so fast you thought your legs were gonna fall off? Y’know, like when you were like running towards the swings or running away from Satan? (Rachel looks confused) The neighbor’s dog.”

Yes, I believe God can use a sitcom character’s words to illustrate His truth and desires for me. To draw closer to Jesus. To see His fingerprints all over the details of each moment. To run and live each day like I don’t care who’s watching – well, except for Jesus. And to find joy in all circumstances.

Joy – often confused with or used interchangeably with “happy.” That word is especially prevalent this time of the year as in “Happy Holidays” and “Happy New Year.” I confess I woke up this New Year’s Eve morning with some anxiety. Some painful words from my dad yesterday still ringing in my ears. Okay, completely wrecked me. A few days ago, I was on a high from a great Christmas with my entire family followed by a quick trip to Arizona to watch what ended up being an abysmal football game (five interceptions – really?!) but ending with a spectacular desert trail hike. But now the glow of the holidays is over. My kids have left the nest once again. Christmas decorations have been put into storage. The anticipation of 2019 is now looming.

Joy – so easily stolen. I actually started writing this blog post Saturday. Before heading out that morning for a run at my “happy place,” I discovered my bike had been stolen – yes, the custom lime green one. I was already feeling slightly depressed cuz the holidays were over, but this just made me more sad.

After quickly reporting the theft, I headed off to the reservoir for my run. I made a conscious effort to praise God out loud in the car – cuz I know I’m supposed to praise Him in all circumstances good and bad. Then something unexpected happened. I started getting angry and praises turned into battle cries aimed at Satan declaring he’s messed with the wrong gal. Cuz I’m the daughter of the one true powerful King! That’s right, Devil, you just messed with a child of the Almighty One – the Creator of the Universe – who can take you down with one word! That’s right, you good-for-nothin’ bleepity-bleep!! I might’ve said something stronger.

Funny how quickly my thoughts and emotions went from sadness, empathy, and picturing the poor, desperate dad (who maybe needed to steal my bike three days after Christmas to pay bills and provide for his family) to cursing the wicked, destructive ways of Satan who’s only mission is to take our eyes off of Jesus and make us think we can’t be happy unless everything goes our way.

In a way, he’s right. Happiness is temporary and dependent upon circumstances. God is the exact opposite. He is all about rising above circumstances. He is all about character and integrity. He is all about turning our ashes and mourning into beauty. He is all about demonstrating perfect love – the kind that already knows I’m gonna mess up a million more times in ways that disappoint people but not Him. He is all about forgiveness and restoration – even when I’m the one tempted to keep the incorrect overpaid change given to me, even when in my mind I want so badly at mile 17 of a marathon to hop over the invisible divider that would put me at mile 24, even when I know I should spend more time with my aging, often frustrating parents but only schedule the dutiful minimum, and even when I skim over His Word in the morning cuz I woke up late or was just too busy to give it my full attention and whole heart.

In so many ways, I steal from God every day.

When I really stop to think about it, everyday I’m taking stuff that doesn’t belong to me. Guilt, shame, blame, time, praise, glory. God never meant for us to have ownership over any of those things.

I ended up having one of my best hill training runs Saturday. I wasn’t wearing my Garmin, so I don’t know if it was actually “my best,” but it was so freeing and overflowing with God’s presence that even a PR couldn’t bring me as much joy. At that moment, I decided my goal for 2019 would be to run like Phoebe. With joy like a little kid running towards the swings. With the mindset that God’s opinion of me is the only one that really matters. With reckless abandon for the things on God’s heart.

“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the JOY of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT