Reflecting on Health, Fitness, and Worship on My 42nd Birthday

I turn 42 this Friday. I still remember celebrating my 13th birthday at Dairy Queen and being disappointed that the kids menu was no longer for me. I've always liked my birthday, but hated getting older. 

I've been thinking about health and fitness again this year. I've written many times about the struggle that pastors and their wives face with weight and health. The constant stress that pastors live with is indistinguishable to your body from physical stress, and I believe that makes the body store fat and refuse to let go of it. This year has been a challenge for this pastor as I turn the corner to middle age.

Neither elbow will forgive me for doing pull-ups anymore. My knees can be gimpy if I'm not careful during heavy squats. I've gained 20 lbs over the last 3 years while I've averaged 4 or more workouts per week those 3 years. I've tried all sorts of diet restrictions and workout plans. My weight has crept up very slowly (just .12 lbs per week), but I've measured it daily and been really frustrated.

I reached a point this spring where I decided that I can't control what my weight does right now, but I can control what I do. I can choose to eat healthy. I can choose to do good workouts that help me be strong, flexible, and conditioned. Then I read Revelation.

I've been reading two verses in Revelation at a time in the Greek New Testament for the last year. I was struck in chapter 21 that God is preparing his people to dwell with him forever. If he is preparing his people, then he is preparing me-physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The frustrations I face with my body are at the same time part of living in a broken world and part of God's process to grow me for what is coming. Aging, injuries, and weight gain are not separate from being prepared for the wedding supper of the Lamb.

I crystalized two exhortations for myself about health and fitness because I am being prepared for the heavenly city of God.

Hunger for the Lord more than food. Food is good and should be received with thanks, but the Bread of Life is more satisfying. Keep your relationship to food in the right place.

Be satisfied with the Lord and not my body, health, or looks. I'm going to keep training. No weight, size, or strength level will satisfy me though. Only the king and his coming kingdom can do that.

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