Stan Sedentary

My exercise of choice is 'Individual Conditioning'; specifically, jogging. When I was in college I would jog. I would think nothing about lacing up a pair of running shoes, running over to the outdoor track, run a few miles and then run back to the dorm. Did you catch that? I ran to the track, ran at the track and then ran from the track! Through it all I would only be mildly winded. Years later, (decades) a reasonable sedentary lifestyle had wrapped its 30 lb. arms around.... mostly.... my waist! I'm a tall guy and can hide it well but those lazy arms, coupled with a slower metabolism (and a handy TV remote) had become the proverbial lifestyle of choice. It's NOT that I had become a 'couch potato' or that I planned to be Stan Sedentary, Stan just crept in and set up a home. Comfortable guy that Stan.

I've heard it said that "Indecision is a decision". If we delay for too long, life has a way of deciding for us. In regards to exercise, here's a new expression: If you lounge around, you become big and round! (I just made-up that one.)

It has been a year of persistent and tenacious effort but I am now able to jog for a considerable distance. Jogging isn't for everyone. Some think it is a lonely form of aerobics but I appreciate the solitude and accomplishment. Some choose 'The Links' (golf), others walk, or speed-walk (funny). I have even seen a person do hool-a-hoop-walking! I am not kidding! It is a hoot to see! Still others choose group aerobics. My point is: CHOOSE for yourself, don't let life choose for you.

God has wonderful gifts waiting for you to choose. You might not consider a more active lifestyle a gift but at my age of 55 and being able to jog at all is a gift! He wants to amaze you with His goodness! We are His kids. God wants to show us favor BUT there are principles to follow.  Through those principles He has greater things in store for your future!


Today, I encourage you to get your hopes up! I'll scream it this time, GET YOUR HOPES UP! Perhaps my long-term friend Stan Sedentary (He likes chips and dip) has become a friend of yours as well. Kick him out! Get a new roommate. Try something new! Enlarge your vision. Choose an exercise. Go for a walk. Expect God to bring opportunities across your path. Expect answers to your prayers BUT be ready to take action! Remember, God has a task for you; most of which you aren't expecting. In fact, He might ask you to bear an infirmity or maybe travel a road with unexpected twists and turns. Through that challenge, however measured, you WILL be a better witness or bring more people to Christ. You will be a better person. Regardless of your station in life or the baggage you carry, God has a plan FOR YOU! Talk to Him, He has a purpose in mind JUST FOR YOU! ~Pray!