Last night I was looking at my eyes in the mirror. In order to do so, I had to slightly lean over the sink at a right angle (eyes aren't that strong anymore). When I backed away, I caught an image I had not seen before. A decent looking shape which was my torso.
It's been three years, but I'm beginning to see definite changes in my physical shape. My son was sitting on my lap a few weeks back and commented that my belly is smaller. Using his hand while gesturing, he said "Dad, your belly has gotten smaller, it used to be out here." holding his hand about an inch away from my stomach. Looking in the mirror was a similar response, there were defined shapes of my arms, shoulders, chest and my belly has decreased. All benefits of my commitment and God's grace.
Remember, my overarching goal is better health so I can be here on earth for my wife and sons, that's it. Many years ago, God convicted me that my lack of taking care of his temple (my body) was wrong. I prayed about it many times and tried to start a program of walking, but they ended in failure due to the pain in my hips. Finally, in desperation and at the advice of a doctor, I started taking supplements, specifically Glucosamine/Chondroitin and MSM. This combination works directly on the cartilage which I had destroyed in my hip (acetabular) fracture [when the socket of the hip joint is broken] back in 1990. I know the studies are not conclusive on this supplement, but it works for me; I no longer have that intense pain that would make me hold my breath to endure it. Therefore, let's just conclude that better health is my goal so I can be an active participant in my wife's and kids lives. This goal is what gets me to exercise when it's raining or freezing cold, it pushes me when I don't feel like going through the second circuit, my goal keeps me from giving up when I'm exhausted from a hard day of work stress.
God has blessed me over the last three years. While the first six months were walking only, I have progressed to a full blown exercise regime. One key item is that I listen to Bible teachings by Chuck Smith (c2000, c3000 & T4000 series Chuck Smith Teachings) during my exercise. Walking while listening to Chuck has been great for my faith and has built my spirit up for the benefit of my wife and kids (and everyone else). I listen to him on my iPod while I'm lifting weights too.
While the shape of my body is pleasing, I recognize that it will die. I have resolved that there are fewer years ahead of me than behind me; I have passed the half way point of my life span some time ago. Exercise has its benefits, but my focus is not what I look like, but how my improved health can benefit others. Looking good is cool too.
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