Sweating and Challenging!

So, how often are you working out these days?  Are you working out at home or at a workout center of some kind?  Has your doctor told you to lose some weight, to get your cholesterol under control, to lower your blood pressure, and to just get in shape? 

About 4-5 times each week I work out by lifting weights, walking, stretching, and swimming laps.  I try to eat a healthy diet along with my family. For the last seven years I have committed myself to a healthy lifestyle.  This is not easy to keep going- some days are easier than others to be motiviated, while on many days I have to reach down deep to work out.

Our bodies are gift from God. In celebrating this gift from God we are called to take the best care possible of our bodies.  This may involve sweat. It may involve challenging yourself.

Our Lord is well aware of the challenge to care for our bodies.  He is also aware that  we may suffer in our bodies at some point in our lives.  Cancer, injury, and other diseases inflict out bodies with pain and discomfort.

My wife and I have a famly friend who developed Parkinson's disease at at age 40.  She is trying her best ot manage the disease.  After several years, unfortunately, the disease manages her. She will be going on disablity due to the disease.  Her body and overall health is proving to be a huge challenge.

One day in Christ she will receive a new body- a heavenly body, spiritual body, or resurrection body.  One day all in Christ will receive their new body.

In the meantime, while we love and serve, we are called to "steward" or take care of the body that our Lord has given to us.

"For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" -Psalm 139:13.

As you sweat and and challenge yourself, thank God for the gift of your body.

Joy in the Journey,

Pastor Durk K. Peterson, Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael, MN