06/01/26 DEALING WITH LIMITATIONS
This rack holds 275#s of barbell plates, along with my weight bench have been retired. I still have a machine for lighter exercises and 60#s of plates for lighter movements in my Pastor Cave.
I did not want to put my equipment away, but it is the best thing for me to do. I need and want to stay active, but I have to pick and choose my exercise regimen carefully. It takes me longer to recover from injuries, and I can't afford to miss my conditioning program of walking.
I have been using weights (off and on) since I was 14 years old. My weight program has kept me strong and seen me through some very difficult health concerns. Of course, I realize my help came from the Lord, but He used my commitment to exercise.
My weights have been an important, though inanimate, part of my life. My equipment has given me strength, health, endurance, and a certain amount of vitality in my later years. Weight training has given me opportunities for youth work, fellowship, and discipleship activities with men in the church. It has been part of my parenting, grandparenting, and my friendships. I always tried to use my experiences and influence to make their lives better. I have always tried to encourage the folks in my churches to pursue and maintain good health. Neglecting the temple of God is a very dangerous thing to do, and limiting your own service to Jesus takes place when you don't take care of your body.
My exercise activities have contributed to my emotional and mental health. I get these same kinds of benefits from kayaking and fishing. Those activities are not only beneficial to my health, but also to my outreach.
I know I have been blessed by God with good health, even in times of physical setbacks. It is not my own accomplishment. Other people have been just as attentive to their physical needs, but God chose our paths for us. I never saw my well-being as a personal accomplishment for boasting. It has been God's choice.
It may seem silly for me to say this is a significant change in my life. But I am facing limitations, and I am adjusting for a better future. My equipment was almost like a friend. I would walk into my weight area and feel good about being there, for the reasons I mentioned earlier.
I am dealing with my limitations. I am not crying about them. I am disappointed that I did not accomplish more with what I had in years gone by. But I don't want to spend my days crying about the past or withdrawing from the future.
God has given me many great years and experiences. I have always thought that I was living in the greatest time in history. I still believe this is true for Christians, at least in the western world.
The great need is for people to be dedicated to spiritual excellence. Physicality is a tool for spirituality. I am hoping to live a meaningful life for Christ for many more years. I just have to make some adjustments along the way.
