Physical and Spiritual

Steps!

by Tina

Back in April I began utilizing these steps for some strength training and cardio. I started with five reps, running the first one and walking the rest. On one of my outings I upped the total reps from 5 to 7 and decided to run the first 2. After being far too sedentary all Winter I really want to move as much as my body will allow.

April was a better month for me physically. Then the last week of the month I went down for about two weeks. This felt like an eternity behind grey skies. I never know how long it will be before I rise again. 

I’m hesitant to declare that I’m back up and running, but I’ve made it back out a couple more times. However, as of yesterday our grey skies returned, bringing rain with it last night, meaning that I’ll likely be continuing to move indoors if it pours.

This Saturday I was a bit over ambitious. I was thrilled that the weather was warm and dry and glad that I was able to get moving. On the spur of the moment I ran 3 of my reps. This was REALLY pushing it. I barely made it the third time, but I seemed fine. I lost track of how many reps I made in total. I just wanted to keep going! I was panting heavily afterwards. However, this still felt good. Until…….

I decided to walk the hood 3 times before I went back inside. Apparently, all of that panting didn’t agree with my throat. As I started to breathe normally, suddenly it felt as dry as a desert, bringing on a coughing fit. Oh great! (No, I didn’t have any water with me.)

I was certain that our neighbors would assume I had the covid. (Or “the covidz” as Andrew likes to say it.) Evisionioning a Covid-19 Crackdown Team coming to cart me off, I was prepared to tell any petrified neighbor that I wasn’t sick! I simply ran up the steps too many times! No really, it’s true! Would they believe me? 

Needless to say I didn’t make it around the neighborhood 3 times. Instead I went straight home and downed two large bottles of water. I wanted to go back out again. Unfortunately, my throat didn’t relent quickly. Fearing that a coughing fit would start up I stayed in, but given the amount of times that I had to march on into the little ladies room, I’m sure this made up for the 2 laps that I was forced to forego.

Training the body is good in some ways, but serving Jesus benefits us in all ways. In other words there will be a significantly better return. It’s good to do both, but serving God not only guarantees us the best long range forecast it also benefits us now in every way. 

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“But do not follow foolish stories that disagree with God’s truth, but train yourself to serve God. Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way by bringing you blessings in this life and in the future life, too. What I say is true, and you should fully accept it. This is why we work and struggle: We hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

1 Timothy 4:7-10(NCV)

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way.

Psalm 37:23

23 thoughts on “Steps!”

    1. Yeah. I have a bad habit of over doing things. I guess I feel like I have to make up for lost time or I’m afraid that those good days will be short lived so I try to cram more in. Plus, it feels so good to move when you haven’t been moving. I do have to learn to pace myself though.

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  2. Gurl, you have the gift of keeping my attention! Just saying. What a wonderful segue into that passage and a great reminder that serving the Lord has benefits now and for eternity!

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      2. Yes, skimmimg. I’m always trying to get my posts skim proofed. No gaurantees. Everyone is different! Different strokes for different folks.

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  3. Perfect verse from Timothy to go along with your post!!
    The covidz 😂😂😂
    I’m glad you were able to get out and enjoy the good weather and some exercise…it’s even more awesome that we can praise God, rain or shine!!❤️

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  4. I have been more sedentary lately since I have been working from home due to COVID. Although my husband and I were riding bikes some here and there. I need to make a better habit of any kind of movement. Thanks for the inspiration. And I Love the way you tied this to spiritual training. That is a lifelong journey that we all can benefit from!

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  5. Tina, I am impressed that’s a lot of steps, especially to be running. Fresh air and exercise refresh me, I love to ride bikes and walk. The most fulfilling exercise, however, is being God’s hands and feet.🏃‍♀️

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  6. Wow! I wouldn’t make it up easily the first time let alone several times. But then, I am a lot older than you. 🙂 But I admire your tenacity. It will pay off in the long run. But, as you said, serving Jesus does reap much greater–and lasting–benefits that body training will never bring us. Hope your throat is better soon. And don’t forget that bottle of water next time you do it.

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  7. Keeping our body is more important than anything in our life. The way you described your experience is awesome.👌
    Either running or walking both are good to keep our fitness well.

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