{PandaMomo Lifestory} "shining as a star ...life is a never-ending journey of discovery learning"

16 August 2009

Running Every Day

As I reflect on Saturday's Daily Bread reading of 1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27, the topic of 'Running Every Day' strikes a chord in my heart.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24, it reads "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."

In verse 25, the word 'temperate' carries the meaning of 'self-control' practised by athletes who train to win the prize. As a consistent habit of life, regular discipline is of far greater value to any athlete than last minute preparation.

The question of "Am I approaching 'the race that is set before me (c.f. Hebrews 12:1) with a hit or miss spiritual regimen or with purpose and discipline born from a desire to please God?" strikes me. Ultimately, the key to going the distance is the discipline of running every day.

Quote from Monsell:
Run the straight race through God's grace,
Lift up thine eyes and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path and Christ the prize.

Besides the spiritual aspect of pursuit after godliness, I am also reminded that physical training adds up to spiritual training. Without good health and fitness, I am unable to serve God effectively.

This reminds me of the training program that my dear friend, Shirley had recommended to aid me in building up my health and fitness. Frankly, I never knew that to train up physically requires such a daily routine of run and walk everyday for 30 minutes.

Wow! I guess it was a lot of ignorance on my part about physical training. I had the misconception that exercising once or twice a week will be sufficient for healthy lifestyle. Well, thankfully my friend cleared my misconception. Hmmm... better late than never. :P

In order to build up my health progressively, it is essential that I stick to the training program of daily 30 minutes run & walk exercise for about a month (as a starter) to make sure I move enough to work my muscles and parts of my body.

Being afflicted with constant backaches and 'spare parts' (muscles & tendons) getting 'jammed', I reckon I have to start now before it gets worse. As it is, the pain is quite excruciating after nearly a month of aches following my back sprain, flu bout and existing old ailments since teaching days. Can even do weather forecast of when it's going to rain with all these aches. Aiyo.... it's all part of the package of ageing process. Sighz... spart parts wearing out after barely 3 decades.

Nonetheless, like what my buddy @ work mentioned, physical training helps to build up physical strength to counter all these. It's all a matter of discipline to put into practice what is said and known. Quoting her: "DO NOT TELL YOURSELF 'I WILL DO IT TOMORROW, COZ YOU WILL NEVER START DOING IT."

Similarly, running the Christian race takes dedication and discipline. Both physical and spiritual training requires utmost commitment and discipline. Pray for dedication and discipline to train up in both physical and spiritual life! Do it now, don't wait. Diligence and not sluggardness!

Hope this sharing encourages you too! (^_^)V

Labels: Christian race, running

7:22 pm;

RESEARCH ASSISTANT & PHOTOGRAPHER

MY PROFILE
momo

*My heart goes all out
to do the best I can,
not for self,
but for God.

*Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness

*Always hoping
to touch the lives of people I meet
and light up their lives
like a TWINKLING STAR!

*Love for
photography,
travelling,
cycling,
badminton,
reading,
singing,
listening to music
& doing handicrafts like
friendship bands, paper cranes & hearts n making cross-stitch pictures

*Favourite colour: All shades of blue

{JUST BE who I want to be}

Just Be
Be strong enough to
face the world each day
Be weak enough to know
you cannot do everything alone

Be generous to those who need your help
Be frugal with what you need yourself

Be wise enough to know that
you do not know everything
Be foolish enough to

BELIEVE in MIRACLES

Be willing to
SHARE your JOYS
Be willing to
SHARE the sorrows of others

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed
Be a follower when
you are shrouded in the midst of uncertainty

Be the FIRST to CONGRATULATE an opponent who SUCCEEDS
Be the LAST to CRITICIZE a friend who FAILS

Be sure where next step will fall, so that you will not stumble
Be sure of your final destination,
in case you are going the wrong way.

Be LOVING
to those who LOVE you

Be LOVING
to those who DO NOT LOVE you,
and they may CHANGE.

Above all, BE YOURSELF.