Exercise

I need to exercise. My doctor tells me that every year. I ask when, he's says 6 a.m. and I say no way. I've tried water aerobics, Zumba, swimming and walking. I may stick with something for a while, but I get bored or frustrated and give up. Still I search for something that a basically unmotivated non-athletic person can do. 

A few weeks ago I got to thinking about my childhood and what I did to be active. I wasn't involved in sports, cheerleading or even scouts. I was an inside kid who liked to watch all of the old shows on TBS. I would read, sew, and crochet, sitting most of the time. The only exception was when my parents took us camping. It was there that I would ride my bicycle for hours. I really liked to ride, hmm.

Two weeks ago I purchased a mountain bike and yesterday was my innaugural ride. I took it easy on a concrete trail, learning how to change gears and getting used to hand brakes. (Yes, it's been that long since I had a bike!) The 3-4 mile ride was fun and I felt good for doing it. Today I'm only slightly sore from the skinny seat, but I'll be fine. I'm actually looking forward to the next ride, maybe exploring some different trails. 

I Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

The Bible says bodily exercise profits a little and for me that is better than not at all, so I'm going to make a real attempt to get healthier. Happy (bike) trails!

Known by Their Deeds

Four years ago, as a first grader, my daughter began attending an after school program at a local karate studio. Every day they picked her up from school, offered a snack, helped with homework and provided a one hour karate lesson. She went through phases of loving it and hating it. Most of the time, I gave her no choice except to go. She stayed, she pushed, she persevered. This week my 10-year-old was awarded the rank of First Degree Black Belt. WOW!

Also this week, my 15-year-old attended a one week Air Force JROTC Southeastern Region SLS Basic Training Camp at Mercer University. He left Monday and returned Saturday, spending the week training, learning and surviving. He said he hated it while he was doing it, but loved it when it was over. There were 8 flights of cadets, with about 17 cadets per flight (group). He came home with 6 individual trophies from his flight: Superior Basic Flight Leader, Outstanding Flight Cadet, Flight Regulation Drill, Flight Academic Achievement, Flight Personal Inspection and Flight Room Inspection. Another WOW!

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right. 

I am so amazed at all they have accomplished this week. The icing on the cake was having them sit on each side of me today a church.

PB & J

Thursday after work, I picked up my 10-year-old and headed to the library. I needed to renew my expired card and she wanted to check out a new book. We spent some time searching for something that might entertain her for a few hours. After her selection, I looked around for a book I might like. As she stood on a step stool beside me, she gave me a big hug and said, "We're like peanut butter and jelly, and I'm the jelly!"

I just had to laugh! It always amazes me what kids can say. We are definitely a team and she views herself as the sweet one that sticks to me like glue.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Yes, we have our squabbles and can get really aggravated with each other, but she's my baby and makes life fun.

Endings

I've spent the last 5 years on the board of our financial aid state association. I'm completing my year as past president and the finality of it all is bittersweet. I will miss the close connection to what's happening with the group, but I am ready for a break.

Last week we had our conference in Savannah, where I seemed to have more tasks than time to do them. I didn't get to attend very many informational sessions, but participated in each general session and event that was planned. One night I did break away for dinner to visit my high school friend who lived in the area. It was fun seeing her new house, but I had to ask her to take me to the store to buy a last minute item for the conference. On the last night, I had to send my dinner order with my friends so I could take care of association business. I arrived not long before we were served. I spent a few minutes running to Riverstreet Sweets for some peanut brittle before rushing back for the next event. I was up until midnight each night preparing for the next day, so I was relieved to know that Friday night I would be home and could sleep. As I drove home exhausted, I reminded myself that the next year wouldn't be so frantic. 

When I began this journey I had no clue what it was like to be on a governing board. I listened, learned, contributed, and eventually guided the board. It's time to pass the torch and let others lead. However after doing this five years, I have a feeling that over the next year I'll think something is missing. 

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.