I was supposed to get up this morning at 5am and have my quiet time and then head to the gym …..that didn’t happen.
I was so tired last night that I went to bed at 8:30am and yet still couldn’t wake up to keep up with my new exercise regime. I want so badly to get this whole exercise and eating healthy routine down. It’s my constant battle and idol at times.
I love the way my body feels when I am in my routine of exercise and healthy eating. I have energy, my clothes fit great, I can eat what I want within reason and I am focused and alert. These things are all good but trying to do it all and shower before 8:30am when my first conference call with Nigeria starts, is taking away from my time with the Lord.
I need, crave, and must have this time with him. It’s where the legalism, stress and busyness all get put aside and the beautiful women he created comes out. I think, dwell, and hear so much during that time. It is so beautiful compared to my to do list and stress of diet and exercise.
I am reading Jackie Chan’s Crazy Love and Ecclesiastes right now. Both talk about how short life is and how we need to enjoy it more. So, when I stress over diet and exercise, I get mad because if I die tomorrow then what was all the restricting of delicious food and getting up early to work out worth. No, I don’t want to be miserable while I am on this earth. I don’t want to be uncomfortable in my clothes or tired and lethargic from eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts every day.
So where is the enjoyment of life but self-control of the flesh?
How do you complete the to do’s but not stress over the who, what , when and how so you sleep well?
How do you enjoy every person, place and thing you experience today whether it is good, bad, stressful, annoying or mediocre?
How do you say, “If I die tomorrow, I have no regrets?”
I think for some people it is easier than others.
An “S” on the DISC profile or a 9 on the Enneagram (Peacemaker). I am sure you find these things much easier as God created you with a must softer, sensitive, laid back personality.
But what about people like me? The “D” in DISC and 3 on Enneagram (Achiever). I naturally wake up early every morning needing to Dominate, Direct, Accomplish and Shine.
I would love to know how you have found the happy-medium ground in your life…….
How do you balance life on earth with an eternal focus?
How do you live life comfortably saying “If I die tomorrow, I have no regrets!”
I know none of us can honestly say we are 100% there but what have you done or are doing to get there? Please share with us all so we can learn from each other and grow!
Hi Patrice
I think I have an answer. First the grace and all blessings of Jesus and God the Father pour over you, your family and ministry abundantly!!!
If you go online and type in Himself by A.B. Simpson (1843-1919) you will find his sermon and poem at the end titled Himself. AB started out as Presbyterian minister (first church in Louisville) but resigned out of frustration of the denominational framework then went to NYC to serve the needy and founded the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
His sermon and poem Himself was a revelation that his own efforts to achieve and accomplish his own Christian growth and the chores of ministry left him exhausted and stressed. Then he heard a voice from the Lord “Himself” and realized the only thing needed for all needs is Himself. Once AB got that revelation it changed everything – he only had one need “Himself” (who of course is Jesus) Who is Himself the only satisfaction for all need.
Yours In Christ
Gary
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you so much for this! I read it this morning and it was so encouraging!