Body

“Right Now, I Don’t Care. I’ll Deal With the Consequences.”

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Two Friday nights in a row I’ve knowingly eaten dessert that I was pretty sure I’d regret the next morning.

I was right.

Friday #1…too many cookies. Didn’t care.

Friday #2…the whole piece of pie. Didn’t care.

How did I know this? 19 years of running.

Not since 2012 have I full-fledged followed a marathon training plan. And by full fledge I mean, let’s get in all the long runs. All of them. Which also means, keep your pre-race-night eating rhythm. Which means, no dessert.

I know this. I also know my preferred serving of dessert means a lot of potty breaks during the next morning’s run. Rather than listen to my body these last two Friday nights, I told it, “I hear you. But sugar wins right now. You’ll have to deal with the consequences in the morning.”

Without TMI, let’s say yesterday’s run set a personal record! Hard to enjoy.

I think God might have been laughing at me around 9:30 this morning while my pastor was speaking. On an unrelated-but-not topic, he mentioned the importance rhythm plays in spiritual intake. It’s quite simple. Find it and stick to it. Consistency matters.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

As a disciplined person, I know this. But some days I allow myself to stray. I ALLOW MYSELF.

I’ve decided ahead. This Friday night, my body and my mind will sync. Pretty sure that means the odds of a better long run Saturday morning have risen significantly.

Photo by Skyler Ewing on Unsplash

The King is at the Gate

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Psalms 24:7-10 CEV (A Psalm by David)
[7] Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in.

[8] Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord, a strong and mighty warrior.

[9] Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in.

[10] Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord, the All-Powerful!

Suppose the ancient gates are entries to your mind, body, and spirit.

Even though he created you, this king doesn’t do force entry.

Even though your gate would yield to his command, this king knocks and waits for your reply.

It’s a common thought for those engaging him for the first time that it has to happen in a formal setting-church, monastery, temple, retreat center, for example. The psalmist declares, “Not so.” The gate controls are yours anytime of the day no matter your location.

This king waits to receive access to you, to be with you, all of you. And maybe unbeknownst to you, you’ve been waiting for him, too.

Opening your gate to this king makes room for connection you’ve been waiting for.

Opening your gate to this king makes preparation for healing you’ve been waiting for.

Opening your gate to this king makes room for communion you’ve been waiting for.

Opening your gate to this king makes it possible you exit the gate together.

What you’ve been waiting for may just be waiting for you on the other side of your gate. But it’s not actually a what. It’s a who.

Open Your Gates!

Photo by Dave McDermott on Unsplash