A French quote says that “we should swallow a toad every morning, in order to fortify ourselves against the disgust of the rest of the day….” It refers to ungodly 18th century society. For me it applies to physical exercise. God reminds me that the most annoying and distasteful activities are best done early in the day when I am rested and my self-discipline is at its peak.
Being a morning person means that my first hours are when I accomplish the most. The healing process in my body allows earlier sleep and thus early arising; my schedule is working itself back to more nearly my ideal awakening time. I am committed to restoring the successful habit of physical exercise first every day. Paul encourages us regarding running our race as Christians in Hebrews 12. He compares spiritual discipline to physical discipline. My spiritual mother was an example of both physical and spiritual discipline to me, and I need to recapture the lessons she taught me by her walk with God.
The spiritual disciplines she practiced are still a joyful part of my life. But the physical ones she demonstrated were more difficult. I am intent on reestablishing what God prospered a number of years ago. The early morning walks that helped me achieve improved health fell by the wayside with injuries first to one foot and then the other. Indeed, standing and walking on concrete now produces intense pain in my feet. So, a change to an elliptical trainer is necessary. God provided one and now I want the grace to use it twice daily.
A second physical activity I want to reestablish is strength training. I have a good program; using it regularly is my goal. Also, the practice of Tai Chi helped my mother with balance and flexibility and I plan to alternate it with strength training in the morning.
Paul makes it clear that discipline can be difficult. But by God’s grace I will once again succeed in integrating physical discipline as I have spiritual discipline as I spend time with God in My Cleft For Life.
Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
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