Whatever Takes Us Away

Another month has come and gone, and surprisingly, the first month of the New Year went pretty darn fast. I am glad however, that we near spring and warmer weather once again. Just the thought of more snow makes my head turn in a Poltergeist kind of way. Don't get me wrong, I like snow and have enjoyed playing in the snow with my kids, but I really do enjoy the warmer months of the year.

I think I used to get cabin fever, that unrelenting feeling that you'll never see the outside world again, sometime between late November on through about the beginning of March. However, the past couple of years have seen a decline in that feeling. I suppose my taking up hunting as a new hobby has helped in this department, getting me out of doors at least a few times a month from October through the end of January. This, possibly, will keep cabin fever at bay - at least until April when I will actually be able to get out, work in the yard and see my perinnial flowers in bloom once again.

I will be outside doing other things of course. I have been asked by two unnamed suspects to do the Flying Pig half marathon this spring. This means I will have to get my running shoes out and get back into training mode yet again.

So, for all of you couch potatoes that feel the dread of winter creeping up on you, get out and do something. What our country needs is not another wonder pill to keep us thin, but just a little bit of movement to get the blood pumping a couple times a week. I am not suggesting that everyone get out and do a half or full marathon, just get out and walk for Pete's sake! There are pills for just about everything these days and little is done for one's health by one's self (I am not saying that all pills are evil, but just watch TV for a while and see how many commercials are now for some drug that will "improve" some bodily function that could be helped with proper dieting and exercise). Winter is drawing towards its close here in southern Ohio, start making plans to do some exploration, walk the local park, or go for a short run, some of you may even have a dog that could use the exercise, take your dog for a walk each day - you both might find you feel better in a matter of weeks.

As I get back into a running routine I will try to keep a log here as to how things are progressing. Those that read this, let me know how you are doing in the same respect. I'll be glad to cheer you on.

For a biblical perspective, take some time to read what the Apostle Paul says about exercise. Yes, even the Bible tells us to keep our bodies in shape - and I don't mean round. I Corinthians 9:23-25 While this isn't specifically speaking towards our physical attributes, it is helpful to know there are references to our physical well-being. Likewise, Hebrews 12:1-3 helps illustrate this point. As Christians, when we take serious our spiritual well-being, our physical well-being is also kept in check. Strengthen your mind and fix it on the work done on the cross and through the resurrection, and strengthen your body as well. For, you cannot have one without the other, if the body dies, so dies the mind contained within.