It’s time to get healthy. My word for 2018 is purposeful. “Lord, may every step I take be filled with purpose toward getting healthy.” I have to lower my A1C. I have to be able to climb hills and valleys. My husband surprised me this year with a trip to Israel. I have until May to get in shape. I must be able to climb the hill to see the cave where David hid from Saul. I am embarking on a health marathon over the next couple of months.
Yesterday I decided it would be a good idea to wear my Ugg boots on my walking excursion through my neighborhood. Then I decided maybe I should try to reverse my route. The route led me uphill most of the time instead of my usual downhill trudge through my neighborhood. One hundred yards into the journey I decided neither decisions were wise choices. I wanted to turn back. I wanted to give up. I turned. The wind was blowing in my face. Nope not going that way either. I had entered no mans land. There were no good routes out of my predicament. Ahead of me was another steep hill and behind me was 12 mph wind gusts. If my neighborhood had sidewalks I would have sat down and called Kevin to come pick me up, but alas, that wasn’t a good choice either because I would never admit defeat.
I chose to climb the hill. My boots weighed 20 pounds (or so it felt like it.) Instead of looking to the top of the hill, I chose to concentrate on how steep the climb was. Every step was arduous. I was out of breath and I wasn’t even a quarter way up to the top. I was defeated. My heart was heavy and my breathing was labored. My hamstrings were on fire. This health stuff is for the birds. There was no way out of this mess but to keep going. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Puffing and sweating I made it to the top of that hill. One goal accomplished. Exuberant I started down the hill, then I turned the corner, another hill climb. Seriously! Up the hill I went because I was half way through my journey. Again, no way would I turn around and reclimb that hill I had just conquered. Step by step I climbed up. How come it is that downhill slopes have a slow comfortable decline but going up a slope is straight up hill?
I came to my last turn and uphill climb. I stopped. The incline was the steepest in the neighborhood. Boy was that a stupid decision to reverse my route leaving the worst climb at the end when my legs felt like noodles. Step by step I climbed though, then I turned the corner down my last block except it wasn’t downhill like I expected. How did I not remember this hill? My heart sank. I put my hands on my knees and took a deep breath. I really didn’t have it in me, but I couldn’t stay where I was. I wanted to go home and home was at the end of this block. My Ugg boots were lead weights around my ankles. I rose up put my hands on my thighs and pushed each leg into taking my first steps to finish this journey.
I made it home. I was weary and not feeling very confident in myself.
Today is a new day though. I have discovered my mistake.
”Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” Exodus 6:9
Yesterday my walk was excuciating because I forgot to ask Jesus to come along beside me. My walk was difficult because my focus was on the steep hill and the wind and not on the One who created the hills and controls the wind. I am an Israelite. I complain when I should rejoice. I feel hopeless when I should be listening to the Voice of Hope.
A few verse earlier God was speaking to Moses, “Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.” Exodus 6:5
It seemed to the Israelites that God had forgotten them in their misery, but the truth of the situation was, God had heard their cries and He remembered His covenant.
Yesterday, instead of focusing on my woes, I should have been rejoicing in the Lord that I can place one foot after the other.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement…” Romans 15:5a
This verse say God gives endurance. This verse states that is a fact yet I forgot to ask God to give me endurance.
Today is a new day with new mercies from the Lord. I’m tackling this walk today with a new attitude. I’m asking Jesus to walk alongside of me. It may not be any easier today, and it may not be any easier tomorrow, but one day it will be, and the next day it will be better also. All I know is my attitude and disposition is victorious. The dread is gone. I have the courage to face this hill and the winds that may blow. Minus the Ugg boots though. I’m choosing tennis shoes. I will leave behind the extra weight on this journey.
I’m baaaack! I made it! Some of the cul de sacs even saw me doing my own version of a run!
Yesterday I chose to focus on dead ends, dead trees, gray skies, and blustery winds. Call me Eeyore.
Today I turned on praise and worship and heard the words, “The dry season is over. There is a cloud beginning to form.”
Funny but poinent.