self-discipline

July 9, 2004

Toward the end of my first pregnancy, I became a little concerned with how I would shed all the “baby fat” I had accumulated during those nine Big Mac-filled months. (How’s that for a craving?) I repeatedly heard that I shouldn’t have any problem losing the weight, especially since I was planning to breast feed. “Oh, don’t worry,” they’d say, “those unwanted pounds will just fall off.” Right.

I’m not sure why, but I gave myself six months to lose the weight and when six months came and went and the weight did not, I was frustrated. It became a daily ritual to stand naked in front of the bathroom mirror, grabbing those pockets of fat that I really wished were gone. This was accompanied, of course, by a fair amount of complaining and a little whining. Finally my husband couldn’t take it any longer. One day he calmly said, “I don’t want to hear any more complaining until you’re willing to do something about it.” Speaking the truth in love. Gotta love that.

Even though I was slightly annoyed by his comment at first, I decided he was right. I guess it was just the kick in the rear I needed to begin working on my self-discipline. So I started running. Let me be clear. I do not like running. In fact, I think I hate it. But once I started seeing results (which took way too long by the way), I decided it was worth it. I also happen to be one of those types that thrives on routine. Therefore, if something gets stuck in my routine, it’s really stuck. (Side note: This personality characteristic is good and bad. When it comes to running? Good. When it comes to my sweet tooth? Bad.)

So now I run four times a week and I basically loathe each step. There are very few days I experience even the slightest hint of enjoyment. But like I said, the results make it worth it. I feel good, I fit in my clothes again and I sleep better. Quite unexpectedly, I’ve discovered another advantage to running. It has to do with my spiritual life. My physical running has become a tangible, felt (VERY felt on most days) reminder of my need for spiritual discipline as well. I have a genuine desire to be spiritually “fit” and like most Americans, when I want something, I want it now. But quick shortcuts rarely lead to genuine results. Gold medals are not won without years of discipline beforehand.

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
(I Corinthians 9:24-27, NLT)

Run on women!

Category: Deep Thoughts

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