Now, I love to play. I like kickball, dodgeball, backyard games of softball or basketball. I like hiking miles and miles in the mountains and taking long walks with friends. I even enjoy a class of kickboxing or Pilate's if someone I know can distract me with chatter. But call it exercise for exercise sake, and I instantly dislike it.
Yet, as I write this moment, I am sitting on my exercise bike with my computer propped up beside me and my legs are peddling furiously. I feel the burn. And later I have plans to stick in a DVD and workout with some lady who has amazing flexibility, because I don't.
So, why am I torturing myself? Because I need the exercise. Since going through my last pregnancy two years ago, I've noticed a definite change in my strength and well-being. And my pants are getting a bit tight. Ahem. I know I need to get my rear in gear, and that fuels my fire a bit to get moving.
Sometimes, I feel much the same about the spiritual disciplines. Discipline -- a word akin to exercise. Practicing spiritual disciplines for discipline sake makes me dislike them at times. It seems dutiful and dry and boring to pick up the Bible or to pray just because I should. But when I'm feeling weak or heartsick, and I'm getting squeezed by the pressures of life, there is a stronger desire within to seek the Lord.
But as in physical exercise, it's harder to get in shape, than to stay in shape . . .
. . .so it is in our spiritual lives. I shouldn't have waited for my pants to get too tight to start a regular exercise routine, and I shouldn't wait til life squeezes me to practice walking with Jesus. For that is of far greater value than pants that fit just right.
"Rather, train yourself to be godly.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:8
Let's train together for something that will last.
*For the record, many of my running friends are also very godly people. Doesn't that just stink? (Grin.)*
For more training in the Word, check out Internet Cafe Devotions. Get fit!
17 comments:
I love this...I was out "fast walking/jogging" this morning...in NOVEMBER...cuz if I HAVE to exercise I AM NOT paying some gym for it when I can walk on my streets perfectly good, safe road! I was thinking..."where have all the runners gone?" Statistically, I don't think they all go to gyms either...probably just quit when the mornings got nippy. I was thinking that about my spiritual exercise...do I quit when they mornings get nippy, so to speak? Thanks for this today!!
girl, i just got squeezed by life....and i am upset with myself that i waited that long before i decided to get my "spiritual rear" in gear! but, just like with physical exercise.....if it takes your pants getting a little tight to get you motivated, then so be it. so long as you USE that motivation instead of sitting back and waiting until your pants (physical or spiritual!) end up plain out ripping...right in front of everyone!!
and you're right...it IS hard to get back into shape, in both senses of the word, but you just feel so good when you do! i have recently had a major breakthrough in my life and am hopefully embarking on the road to getting myself back into shape. with running AND with God :) as usual...your post makes me think you can read my mind!
I'm with you about that running thing. I need a destination which for me is usually a bus stop. You make a good point--our spiritual exercise is much more important.
They are probably not only godly but gorgeous...I hate envy but sometimes some people have it all and even like exercise.
The only exercise I am able to do is walk in water. Pity I no longer live by the sea. Will have to be back to the gym when the arm wound heals. Darn it.
Girlfriend!! This was fabulous....you really were pedaling and typing at the same time?? Multitasking genius!
I feel your pain and your burn...I HAVE to move this body after three births...but I'm with you...no marathons in my future! Have a friend training for an ironman?!?! Ummmm, thanks but I'll walk.
It's all about perspective...the complete package, the temple of the Holy Spirit....
Fabulous Word today, as always!!
Peace,
Lori
This is such a great post! I really enjoy the message. Happy WFW!
What an AWESOME word!!!!!
OK, I needed this.
I wish I could say I did excersise.
I make all kinds of great excuses because I have a bad back.
And it's easy to make excuses about not being disciplined in the word.
So...I do Beth Moore studies, and yes they are a WORK out for my soul!!
Thanks for sharing and challenging us all today.
Great word.
Some people just seem to have it all together don't they...those lucky runner gals. It's super easy to become consumed with life and let the physical and spiritual discipline fall to the way side. That I know because I playing catch up these days. But thank God I'm still around to make the changes. Blessings to you.
I am so impressed that you were typing and riding a stationary bike at the same time!
And also, it is so difficult for me to remember Jesus when life is going well. It seems to be when I am only struggling that I turn to him, which is not good at all. Something I need to work on tremendously.
Good luck with your exercise venture... I may have to start a new routine for the new year. I really dont like to exercise either!
I find the transition from being sedentary to excercising is the hardest... but once I'm moving, I love it!
Your Snoopy cartoon is so cute... did you post it in FB? I was going to repost but forgot!!!
((Hugs))
oh, girl - i hate exercise too, but do it while you are young! I got out of the habit and now at 48, I wish I would have kept it up! I have grandyoungin's to keep up with..
I adore your thoughts and writing, sweet friend. I'm SO SO SO with you on the exercise thing. I admit that I was once a marathoner, but I have to say that now, I don't like it much. I liked it when I was conditioned but now that I'm not, it's just too hard. :)
Love it!
Natalie at Mommy on Fire
http://www.mommyonfire.com
How great is this post? Great and inspiring words!
I dislike exercise, but I know I need to do it. Hitting my age, it only gets harder.
So motivating. I think I will go for a run as soon as I finish this donut.
Seriously, What a great thought. Thank you.
oh Amen! I hear ya sistah!! LOL
I started Jazzercise last year - and finally can go through an entire routine without looking like a total idiot - and then I find myself saying, "Gee, my mobility has increased" and then I feel so old! Sigh!
Self-Discipline seems like the key to success, both spiritually and physically. Wonderful point!
Who are these running maniacs?!
I love how you worked (out?!) a wonderful message from the Lord about discipline. You're so right!
Love how you said when "I'm getting squeezed by the pressures of life, there is a stronger desire within to seek the Lord." It's too bad that we all too often wait until our spiritual "pants are too tight" before we seek God in earnest.
Let's get spiritual - and dedicate ourselves to being able-bodied servants of the Lord!
GOD BLESS!
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