It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
I had hit my physical limit. No, I was not an elite athlete striving for an amazing human endeavor. Rather, I was reclined on a doctor’s table hearing the news about a stressed, depressed, obese, and burnout out body at thirty-three years of age.
I was applying for my first doctoral degree which required a physical exam. I walked out with a laundry list of issues ranging from high cholesterol, arrhythmia, borderline type-II diabetes, and mild depression.
To say I had hit a stressful season would be an understatement. I was battling burnout in ministry and facing mounting criticism at a local church. I just wasn’t a fit.
My body could tell a story that no one wanted to hear. Heck, I am not sure anyone cared except those closest to me. I am sure that fueled by shame and depression.
I knew God was calling me for more training in ministry. Honestly, I just wanted a ticket out of wherever I was so that could get to next…wherever that would be.
Deep in my soul, I knew something had to change. The call to freedom begins like that. It is like a distant echo drawing you toward itself. You have a choice. You begin walking toward the noise or you stay in silence.
I needed a complete revamp; top to bottom, three hundred and sixty degrees, total, inside and out.
Physical seemed easier than emotional at the time. I had no clue where to begin with my depression and shame. I was too embarrassed to admit it. The irony is that my wife was a counselor! A Ph.D.!
But, physical exercise was applauded and accepted. For me, it was an easier avenue. I needed freedom. I needed to start somewhere. I began with the path of least resistance.
No sugar drinks. No caffeine. Exercise daily. Be sure to warm up and cool down. Stretch. Take naps. Don’t overwork. These were the doctor’s orders.
I decided to pick up running again. After all, I had run my way through high school and college. How hard could it be to get back into shape? My body will remember. I have muscle memory. My mind and cardio will work as one.
And, we’re off!
Two hundred meters into the jaunt, I was gasping for air feeling like my heart was going to explode. Yep, this was me…seeking freedom.
If I measured my journey on the day that I began running again, I would be content to throw in the proverbial towel. But, the next day, I strapped on my shoes and began running again. I had a better plan. I would walk and run. Eventually, I made a mile. Then two. I eventually completed an ultra-distance marathon and an ironman distance triathlon.
I pursued the distance voice of freedom one step at a time on a roller-coaster of a journey.
The decision was easy at first. Then, reality hit. The decision to keep pursuing freedom took its toll and made me stronger every time I overcame an obstacle. And, there were tons.
Nothing came easy. Neither does freedom. You must decide to pursue it every day, especially physically.
Is it fun? It can be.
You’re heart, mind, body, and soul will thank you for it, though.
Did you hear that? Wait…there’s something in the distance.
