I recently started jogging again and I’ve been using an app that helps me track my time per-mile, distance, calories, route, and total time to accomplish my goal of two miles each day. It is a goal of mine to exercise and take care of my body because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We need to be good stewards of this gift. Now you and I both know that starting to exercise is hard, and what is even harder is maintaining a consistent routine of exercise. Something that has helped me to do that is what I discovered the other day while I was jogging.
I noticed on my two mile route that there are three stop signs I come to. These three signs have come to be goal markers for me. I get tempted to stop jogging and just walk, so what I started doing was telling myself, “If you can just make it to the next stop sign you’ll be one step closer to achieving your goal.” Therefore my goal is to make it to the next sign, and then the next sign, and then the next sign and the next thing you know, I’m done. I have achieved my goal!
The three stop signs have also served as a reminder of three goals I seek to accomplish each day before I head off to work. They have enabled me to care for myself mentally, spiritually, and physically and they will enable you as well. It is essential to discipline yourself in these areas if you want to become a better you. So think of those three stop signs as three goals you need to do before you start your day. I know what they have done for me and what they can do for you too.
The first stop is a goal you can accomplish before you even get out of the bed, thank the Lord for the day. Thank him that you have a heart beat in your chest and breath in your lungs. Thank him for hands that can grab for feet that walk and legs that can carry you. There are others out there not so fortunate. An attitude of gratitude is the place to start before you even get out of the bed. Be thankful for all the blessings the Lord has given to you. That is your first goal.
The second stop is get some coffee and grab your Bible. Find you a good Bible reading plan and make a commitment to spend time reading God’s word. There are many great reading plans out there, but I encourage you to download the Read Scripture App from the App Store or Google Play. It’s free! It will take you at least 20-30 minutes to read so make sure you get up early enough to allow for this. Protect these times and try not to let anything get in the way of them.
The third stop is to take a 20 – 30 minute jog, run, or walk. This is a great time to meditate on the Lord and pray. Make this not only your time to exercise but your time to draw close to the Lord.
If you will maintain these three stops each day, I guarantee you’ll be better and feel better because you did. Take it one day at time and set these goals for yourself. Achieving these three goals first thing before you go to work, take care of the kids, or go to school will allow to achieve even more. I encourage you while your at your third stop sign to pray and give the day to the Lord. Ask Him to be glorified through you today to those who are around you.
You can do it!
Todd