Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Good intentions @ 7:00AM

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.... and... ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’(Mt 22:27-29)

I know it's good for me.  And, I want to do it.
         
              Except...

                              The bed that morning was just too comfortable. And although I had said I would exercise- sleep won the battle.  Okay, here's the worst part.  It wasn't even sleep.  I laid there telling myself  "You should get up." "You want to do this." -only to rise from my pillow, and lay back down. There would always be later....until there wasn't.

"Later" had now past.  It was 7:00am. If I wanted a hot shower before the boys, it was now.  Choosing my pillow rather than the treadmill had exposed the truth: being comfortable trumped my conviction to exercise.  I thought I wanted to; I had said I wanted to, but in reality, when the feet had to hit the floor- I didn't do it. It was no more than a good intention.  And that good intention wouldn't bring about the prize I'm running after- a healthier me.

That was  7:00AM.

As I drove home from work that day, the sun was still bright. All of my family members were accounted for at homes other than their own.  I had time.  I could do it. Outside even.  There was no reason not to. Quickly I slipped on some gear, hat, & gloves; leashed the dog... and off I went. You know, I don't even know how long it took.  It's 7:00PM, and all I can say is that I'm glad I did it.

In some ways it reminds me of a story Jesus told some religious leaders:  
"A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.  “Which of the two obeyed his father?”        They replied, “The first."
 Jesus explained: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.(Mt 21:28-32)
Why, like the younger brother do we say "Yes" but in the end don't?  Perhaps because we don't want to hurt someone's feelings; or;perhaps we intend to- but run out of time... other things are more important.  But there seems a false glory in it- I think I'm helping- but I'm not. Regardless of the intention, a "yes" without action- is a "no".  My intentions and desires, as good as they may be, will not matter at then end of the day unless I act on them.
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (Ja 5:17)
At the end of the day, have we been obedient or not?  Father God, desires what is best you his children.  All his instructions are for good.  He commands us to live rightly- not only for the benifit of those around us- but also for us.  He loves us. I knew what I should do that morning... but at 7:00am I was like the older brother.   A quiet, though rebellious "no" really was my answer as I pulled the covers over my head shutting out the still small voice prompting me.

But, like the older brother, I am also grateful for God's grace.  He is the God of second chances!  That afternoon, I was presented with another opportunity and that time I choose differently.  I think perhaps the beauty of the older brother is that he was honest... with the Father and himself... but deep down he loved his Father and his choices showed it.
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. (Jn 14:23-24)
Father, help me to be obedient to that still small voice of yours that offers LIFE in the grind of this life.  And could you help me to do it earlier than later today! lol

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

I did it.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal 6:9

Well, I did it. I went for a run/walk again today.  I don't know about you but it's one thing to start something and another to be faithful to it.

Christmas break began for my boys. I was spent. Exhausted. My family's Christmas and some rest was what I thought was the answer. For the next two weeks most of my commitments would stop- even my work hours would diminish due to college students home for break. As I spoke one day with my sister, I heaved a sigh, "I am sooo looking forward to this break... I need this."

"Schell, you need to get some exercise. You'll feel so much better."  Deep down I knew she was right.  I hated it. Exercise, I mean.  I've tried before.  Due in part to my type "AAA," control freak, anxiety prone personality, I haven't changed clothing size too much (other than when pregnant).  However, the "thickness" gathering at my waist was only a reflection of my unhealthy spirit.  And in my exhaustion, I knew she was right.

So in desperation, I de-cluttered the treadmill and hopped on. Choosing a walk/run program that was far more walk than run, I began. Slow at first.  I was glad I wasn't out on the school yard running a mile with kids- 'cause I felt like the kindergartners would have blown by me.  Isn't that one of the things that hinders us in exercise...  and in exercising our faith?  "What if I look dumb? What will people think? What if I fail?  What if I can't?  What if..." And so we quit, or never start.

In exercising both our bodies & our faith we need encouragement.  In the Old Testament, there is a story of Asa, King of Judah, who was faced with what was best or what was easiest.  Choosing what has best would take exercising his faith- boldly doing what was unpopular.   God sent encouragement through the prophet Azariah, to pump him up, saying: "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be reward,”(2 Chron 15:7) Kent, my husband, has encouraged me not to give up. I try to encourage him. He too, has resumed a workout after a long hiatus.  

The Apostle Paul, likened living our faith to a race. I get that.  Not in the speed ('cause the kindergartners would win), but in the endurance.  To keep going.  It's hard sometimes.  Eph 6:13 talks about being able to stand your ground. "...having done everything, to stand." When working out, often I have to change my pace.  Slow down, or stop for a bit- and that's okay.  'Cause, as with faith, I think the point is not to lose ground.

So, what's in it for me?  Much! The Apostle Paul wrote about our receiving a reward- a crown of life.  That word for crown means that of a victor, not royalty.  This wreath twisted with perhaps ivy, laurel  or oak signified reward and victory for those competing according to the rules (2 Ti 2:5).  I wonder if we need to remember that our reward is the results that come from the race- strength, endurance... a healthier pulse.  Now, I'm not saying the scale has changed- but my endurance, attitude, & spirit has improved greatly.  In the midst of strengthening my body, my spirit is also strengthening.  Even on the very grind of the treadmill, I can learn some of the eternal truths of the life Christ came to bring.

So far I've continued; reaping the rewards of it.  I'm learning it's about doing it- finishing what I started.   When I say "I did it." I mean I've come out a victor... that day.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

No really, be still...


My mug from Sue!
I entered Christmas break feeling "spent." Drained. Empty.  I was exhausted- physically and spiritually.  Like so many I know, I had been running on the daily treadmill of life and it felt like someone had cranked up the speed to "Maximum."  Oh, it was all great stuff, really- being Mom; attending concerts & sporting events; leading Bible Study,Youth Group, & Sunday School... the list goes on.  Unfortunately, the very obligations that I love were draining me dry.  "I'm so tired..." I would say, as I grabbed what I needed for the next item on my calendar and ran out the door.