Caught Off Guard!
Dear Friend,
I was taking my morning walk and I will be honest I really don’t pay attention to what’s going around me, I’m usually really caught up in a conversation with God or paying attention to nature. This morning as I was coming around a corner, I noticed a lady with a pretty dress on. I was about to pay her a compliment, when she spoke. She said, “I admire you for walking every morning!” I was stunned for a moment. I walk so early I didn’t know anyone was watching me, I get so caught in my conversations with God I’m usually oblivious to what’s around me (with the exception of the over sized crows 😂, that’s a another devotional on a different day). The only thing I could think to say back to her was, “I’m just trying!”, and then I complimented her dress. Can I admit I was completely caught off guard, I had no idea anyone was watching me. And what I said to her was the complete truth, “I’m just trying.”
As I reach closer to 47, my health has become more important to me, I want my latter years to be my best years, that’s my whole purpose behind what I do. My workout isn’t extreme or super long. It’s a work out tailored just for me. It isn't for anyone else to see, it's just for me.
Two scriptures came to my mind, today,
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Proverbs 4: 25-27
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
I believe God wants us whole spirit, soul and body. Im focused on being steadfast in all my ways. That includes taking care of my physical health as well. I’m sure I can liken this to one more scripture, a city on a hill can NOT be hidden (see Matthew 5:14), people are always watching, whether you know it or not. So walk circumspectly, knowing you may be impacting someone’s life along the way. You are a witness, even when you don't know that you are.
Walking Free,
LMJ
P.s. While I was writing this I got tickled and said she’s seen me speaking in tongues, praising and laughing to myself...what a mighty God we serve.