What am I waiting for? What season is this?

Today, we began our fourth week of early morning “Team Rooster” workouts. I am amazed how quickly the past three weeks have gone. The leaves are changing; the air is crisp. October is here.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had several health tests and evaluations to find out what we need to work on the most. Some things were obvious for me. I already take medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I know I am overweight. I struggle with energy to keep up with my busy schedule. While my doctor has been patient with me, she has not minced words – you have got to get this under control! Yet, season after season continued to pass without much consistency or progress. What am I waiting for?

Three weeks of intense exercise and I can already feel a renewed sense of energy and resolve to deal with my poor health habits. Yesterday, we had an opportunity to meet with Dr. Gupta and Carilu, the dietician. My blood work revealed potential problems with my blood sugar level and with my cholesterol level (the “good” HDL is low). As Dr. Gupta discussed the different markers for health issues, I was reminded how awesome my body is and how poorly I’ve taken care of it.

I am like many of my friends – I am busy; I have not intentionally let myself get to this place. I have been merely moving from season to season, without discipline or desire to make permanent lifestyle changes, taking care of everyone and everything around me, except me. And, like many people, not ever thinking the bad health problems would happen to me.

There is so much good information coming at the HealthQuest team – it is easy to become overwhelmed and end up not making any changes because there are too many ideas and suggestions to grasp at once. My goal is to choose several really effective changes for me that I can change permanently.

Indeed, God knew we needed seasons in our lives. A change of pace…a change of routine…a change of colors…a chance to “start over”…

Day One at D-1

“This ain’t no ladies’ gym!” “Changes start in your mind.” “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” “Do what you can do.” “You can do it!” “Interesting sounds are good.” “You will be sore.” “Drink lots of water.” “Why did I agree to this?” “I have never been ‘athletic” – why start now?” “This is hard.” “It’s like jumping off a cliff – you’ll never talk yourself into it, so just jump!”

These are just a few of the phrases and thoughts resonating in my mind from the past few days. So, why did I agree to this experience? It is very dark when you leave the house before 5 AM. This is hard work. I enjoy sleeping. I may not lose a lot of weight. But for me, it is a glimpse of God’s Grace and Mercy specifically for me. My prayer for consistency in exercise and improvement in my health was answered. I want to be faithful to my God. I want to improve my health. I want to feel better. I would have liked it to be easier, but it is not. I need the discipline and accountability that comes with this early morning workout with friends. I prayed the prayer for help, and God answered. How can I say no to His answer?