Making The Best Of You
A middle-aged man decided to take up jogging. He found a sports shop
carrying a wide variety of running shoes. While trying on a pair, he
noticed a little pocket on the side of the shoe.
"What's this thing for?" he asked the sales clerk.
"Oh, that's to carry spare change so you can call a friend to come
pick you up when you've jogged too far."
That would probably never be a problem for me. I know avid runners
and gym enthusiasts who can't wait to get out in the morning and
work up a healthy sweat before starting the day. THEY are likely to
jog too far. I know others, however, who exercise with a grim
determination to get through the workout because they know it's good
for them, like a child forcing down the healthy breakfast cereal
when all the while wishing she were eating the sugary bowl
advertized on television. Whereas the first group is anxious to work
out, the second group needs a good reason to push through the
workout session. I find myself squarely in the second group. I
cannot imagine myself jogging too far.
Of course, if I begin each morning with an exercise regimen, I feel
better all day long. And I know I am healthier. But when I wake up
feeling good -- no aches, no soreness, no stiff muscles - I suddenly
find good reasons to skip my routine. I am too busy today; I just
need some quiet time; there is something else I'd rather do. It is
the aching back and stiffness in my neck that prods me to do what I
ought to do anyway.
Oddly enough, my sore and aching muscles are probably good for me -
they motivate me to take better care of myself. It's not about just
making the best of my aches and pains -- THEY are actually making
the best of me.
Abraham Lincoln knew the value that difficulties can bring to a
life. One of his cabinet appointees, Edwin Stanton, frequently found
flaws with the president and criticized him -- sometimes in public.
But Lincoln seemed to show excessive patience with him. The
president was asked why he kept such a man in a high level position.
Lincoln characteristically responded with a story. He told about a
time he was visiting with an old farmer. He noticed a big horsefly
biting the flank of the farmer's horse. Lincoln said he reached over
to brush the fly away. As he did so, the farmer stopped him and
cautioned, "Don't do that, friend. That horsefly is the only thing
keeping this old horse moving."
Even life's many irritations and problems have their place. That
horsefly kept the horse moving. Edwin Stanton, no Yes Man, kept the
president sharper, honest and self-reflective. My sore muscles and
aching back keep me exercising regularly.
Sometimes we make the best of our problems. But how wonderful it is
when those problems can make the best of us.
~ Steve Goodier ~
[ by: Steve Goodier - Copyright © 2011 - from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport@yahoogroups.com) ]
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