Spring Training

Many sports teams …from high school to pro…are now in Spring Training. While I prefer fishing to football, I understand the concept of preparing for the upcoming season.

I understand the need for our own “Spring Training.” We joke about the “COVID 15 Pounds” we carry around on our waists, the result of grazing while locked down–but it is real. Comfort food added uncomfortable and unhealthy pounds to us all this year. I was particularly convicted when I read recently in 1 Cor 6:19-20 that “our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

I finally decided to stop staring at the “elephant in the room”—the brand-new exercise bike we bought last year to get in shape, and do something. I began intentionally inserting some daily disciplines into my life to break the “Groundhog Day” syndrome. I took action to take back some control over my life.

In the last 6 weeks, I am establishing a “pattern interrupt” by setting the alarm clock and getting up at 6 a.m. After a healthy breakfast (without turning on the news), I mount the exercise bike. Listening to contemporary Christian music, I pedal away. (My exercise time also gives me some great meditation time.)

Two online classes I am taking for work, exposed me to a great principle—“Pain Before Comfort.” Having lived a lot of years with the reverse being true, the comfort of food and food without exercise brought me the pain of being overweight keeping me from feeling great about myself. Plus those pounds placed me on medications I would rather not be required to take.

Now I am feeling the pain of the 6 a.m. alarm clock blaring. I am now feeling the pain of spending 25 minutes every morning on the exercise bike. I am now feeling the pain of not watching as many of my favorite television shows at night. In addition, I am now feeling the pain of going into my local convenience store and NOT buying the unhealthy snack foods that were always my “siren call” to unhealthy eating.

But you know what? I am now feeling the comfort of not huffing and puffing going up stairs. I am now feeling the comfort of losing 15 pounds (OH YEAH!!) and people telling me I look great. I am now feeling the comfort of having more time to read, write, and study…and only watch an hour of television at night with Linda. I am now feeling the comfort of being in control of junk food (and once you stop eating it, you stop craving it!!). And for the first time in 20 years, I need to buy SMALLER pants.

So, are you ready to regain some control over your life? Are you ready to finally hit the treadmill, exercise bike, or jogging trail? Are you ready to finally put your devotions and time with God ahead of everything else? I heartily encourage you to pick up a Bible reading plan online and start intentionally spending time with God every morning.

If you are ready to put some pain before comfort—GO FOR IT! If you would like some encouragement or accountability, send me an email, and let’s talk! Contact me at reendwaterman@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!