It was Christmastime.

And I was feeling discouraged.  One of those days when I felt like nothing I did mattered.  One of those days when I lost sight of my purpose.

I had a feeling that getting out and exercising my body might do some good.  So I pulled up the Corepower Yoga schedule.  And found the first class that night.

I just knew I needed to go.  To get out of the house.  To do something good for my body.

I hadn’t been to Corepower Yoga in years.  YEARS.  I used to be a member and at this point, it’d been about 5 years since I’d set foot back into their studio.  But this night, I just had to go.  I told my friend who was tagging along, “Please don’t be late picking me up or I’ll leave without you.”

We went to the class.  It was incredible.  That’s not my story.

My story happened in the locker room.  After class.

With my back to everyone, I was cleaning out my locker.  Grabbing my pink tennis shoes.  Putting my mat back into my green, LeAnn Rimes autographed yoga bag.  A big yogi herself, wrote “Follow your bliss” on it.  And as I was gathering my things, I heard this sweet voice in the background.

“Aaaare you René?”

Perplexed, I nodded. “Yessss.”

“René Tate?”

“Yes, I am,” I confided to the young girl who’d just shared the class with me.

“Oh my goodness!  I follow your blog all the time.  I live in Wyoming, but I’m just home for Christmas break and I just want you to know how inspiring it is.  Keep doing what you’re doing.  Keep telling your stories. ”

So this is why I had such a strong feeling to go to yoga that night.

We chatted for a few and I left so encouraged by Lord and his prompting and the way he used this beautiful girl in my life.

Ashley, thank you for being brave enough to introduce yourself and share your heart that December night.

*****

Ashley and I met up for a cup of coffee recently.  I knew she had to be the next RTP Fan Revealed.  She walked through those Starbucks doors looking like a J. Crew model.  We had such a great time getting to know one another.  This girl is off to some great things in life! Thank you for being you.  And thank you for your sweet gift of a candle.  I burn it all the time!  It’s wonderful!!