“And who of you by worrying can add one hour to the length of his life?” (Matthew 6:287 Amplified Bible)
With springtime’s arrival and summer eager to knock on the door of seasonal change, I have seen an increase in the number of individuals who have stepped out to improve their physical stature. In other words, many people have renewed their daily routine of walking to get in shape. Whether it is early morning walkers, during mid-afternoon break walkers flooding the downtown streets or treading around the White River; whether it is the time where health-conscious workers leave the workplace to transform into walkers, after dinner walkers strolling with a loved one, or even if walking from one location of the house or the other, the number of walkers compared to a month ago, seems to have increased. That’s great! Afterall, walking is good for your overall physical health. Walking strengthens your heart, helps you manage your blood sugar level, builds your immunity, increases your energy, sustains your emotional or mental health, and walking can literally extend your life. I’m sure that is why I am seeing an increase in walkers. Oh there are runners too, God bless them, but I focus on the walkers. Wait a minute, I left out one reason there might be an increase of walkers lately. We are in a season where multiple layers cannot be worn fashionably and cozy at the same time to cover up weight gain. I’m in trouble now! We are in a season where men’s tummy belts and women’s shapers may not be comfortable during warmer weather. So some people walk to burn calories and burning calories means losing weight. If you are a walker, let me give you a couple pieces of advice. Don’t become a walker for vanity purposes. Become a walker for self-health care purposes. Also, don’t walk and worry at the same time. The latter may cancel out the former in many ways as you feel an urge to eat after walking to deal with the things you anxiously faced while working. And don’t walk to the fast-food place and eat the special of the day and get so full you have to call for a ride home! Walk without worrying simultaneously. Enjoy God’s creation! Enjoy talking about the goodness of God with your walking partner if you have one. If walking alone, think about the goodness of God and thank Him for all He has done for you, while you walk!
In the opening verse, Jesus says who by worrying can add literally, one cubit or 18 inches to his life. That’s probably equivalent to one step for some or one and a half step for others, or for the people who prefer to walk like models, perhaps it might be three or four dainty, crossover steps. Nevertheless, walk without worrying to keep from canceling the positive impact of your efforts. Walk without worrying because that will not cause you to gain a moment in your life. It could do just the opposite. (Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, but I did stay at a well-known hotel on a business trip or two. Smile!)
When worry starts to work its way into your walking routine, apply the truth in Jesus words as found in the closing verses. Now don’t stop walking! But stop worrying and in its place, substitute some praying. Add some kingdom building working to your exercise routine! (Hmmm? Was this meditation for you or me? Smile again!) Have a great Thursday! Be blessed!
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:30-34 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King