Remembering the “good old days” brings a smile to my face.
Living in my parents home meant no mortgage, less of life’s stress and plenty of food. My job was simple – pass school and win football games. OK I gave myself that job title, but it seemed important at the time.
Those where the days when I sported a 34 inch waist line and could bench press a small vehicle. (Like a Volkswagen bug, with no engine or tires or axles or…you get my point, right?) I ran and lifted and played sports – for fun. It was fun, kinda fun, well worry free eating was fun. I was too light for my position in football – always needing to gain weight.
Life was Good. 
Now I find myself in the opposite situation when it comes to food. I don’t want to gain anymore weight, but it wants to gain me. I realize that my leadership in this area has been poor. Just when I got used to being pudgy. Someone I love called me out.
It was the kind of conversation you never want to have. Words that are in one sense tender and kind, but in another sense painful. You know the “hard truth.”
I was reminded of my Life-Plan and the part I am ignoring. My physical health.
In this season of life, my wife and I have a front row seat on the aging process. Our loved ones are getting older. There are times when it seems very hard. Life has a way of reminding us all that our time on earth is temporary. For me, I realize that if I don’t start shedding the pounds and getting in shape my window of opportunity may shut.
Now there are only two things you can do with this sort of revelation. The first is to find plenty of ice cream – fly to Las Vegas – and eat yourself to death. That’s not a workable option – So, I am choosing to do something about it.
I am committing to my health even over writing. I realize to accomplish my long-term goals in life I need to get healthier. I need to be in shape – then be creative.
Here, is what this means. I will dedicate my most precious writing time (the mornings) to God first, then to my physical health. This means I will need to create additional margin in my life by posting only one blog post a week. It also means that I need to get my butt outside and run, jump, lift, and play…Just for the fun of it.
It doesn’t sound so bad when I put it that way.
So goodbye Starbuck’s Lemon Loaf, vanilla anything, large cuts of great meat, German beer – and anything else that has worked against my Matthew McConaughey-like body. (I know he’s in there)
Today I chose to rewrite my story when it comes to my physical health.
I am no longer pudgy – just in transition. (I could use your prayers.)
Are there any issues in your leadership life in need of a rewrite?
This may be the most cruel, mean-spirited, and heartless post I have ever read.
I definitely need this reminder.
Sorry Pastor Jeff – the good news is that, thus far, I feel better – more creative. I hope it holds through tomorows run. Been enjoying your blog tremendously.
Prayers sent, Mark! I commend you on this journey!
Christy – you are so kind. Thank you for the prayers and encouragement.
I can appreciate the internal and EXTERNAL struggle. It seems like bringing balance is a huge thing that turns out to be just creating a new habit.
Dang the struggles Eddy. But you are correct – I need to create a new pattern of life that becomes a habit.
Quit sneaking pictures of me like that. Geez.
As you know, I understand completely and am working on the same things right now as well.
Thumbs up! And hopefully we can provide some reciprocal encouragement.
Enjoyed this!
Thanks Gary – I am sure we can provide some reciprocal encouragement – You run that way and I will run this way. We will meet in the middle and look like soccer players.