Bitten By a Big Ole' Bug

Sometimes I wonder about myself, I am the pastor of a church just outside of Dallas, TX. Here I am, 38 years old with 3 kids and I think, am I doing all that God and my family wants me to do. Somehow, those are the types of thoughts I have always had. You know, putting others first, in front of myself. I have been a person that always tries to listen to others problems and help other people out while neglecting myself. Now, don't get me wrong, my family will always come before me. I mean, what other excuse do I have for walking around for countless hours at a Science nauseum...er...museum?

Back in July/August I read a book that really changed how I felt about me. Since September of 2006, I have really dedicated myself to a workout program. Today, I am 41lbs. lighter and have run 5 miles without stopping. I regularly do 3 to 4 miles. I have to say, this running thing is addictive. I have been bitten by the runbug. Some days it hurts and other days it feels great.
I am currently running about 13-14 miles per week and about to up that mileage as I have set some goals. I am planning to run a half marathon...yes, that's right...13.1 miles in December 2007. Just 4 days before my anniversary. I am currently learning what it really means to "eat and drink on the run" and it is kind of difficult. One day, Lord willing in 2008, I will actually sign up for my first marathon. That is my big goal.

Now, you may ask. Does doing all this take away from your church and pastoring? Not at all. I usually am out running at 5am and sometimes earlier. It is much cooler then too. The thing that is so rewarding to me is that we have had a few people in our church family make a committment to their physical well being since I have made the commitment. The other great thing is... I now have a new running partner named Shannon. Yes, my wife competed in her first ever 5K on St. Patrick's Day. I didn't let her win...so, don't worry.

Anyway, I saw something interesting in Matthew 22:37 that I have never really seen before. The passage reads...

37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' Matt 22:37 (NIV)

The thing that I have always focused on was the sould and mind. You know, memorizing Scripture, studying the Bible, prayer for my soul and mind. However, the interesting part is that I neglected my heart. When you actually look up the word for "heart" in the original Greek language, it is actually referring to the physical life. In other words, Love God with all that you physically can give. I had not been doing that. I had neglected the physical love for God.

So, how can one physically love God. I mean, its not like we can give Him a hug, but it is something we can do to show our love for Him. That is taking care of our physical bodies. They are the Temple for the Holy Spirit. I am still working on this. I put a lot of years of neglect into this body. So, I am by no means a pro at this. I am just learning.

If you read that verse with the intent being Love God with all your body, soul and spirit, then we must pay attention to all three aspects of how a human is comprised.

So, get up, put one foot in front of the other and repeat! it is good for you and it will be a physical way to show affection to God. Just an idea...