Day 14 ~ Tools

Distance: 2.85 miles

Time: 45:50

Pace: 16'04

Calories: 364

News flash: I have changed walking shoes.

Good heavens, I didn't think that would be such a big deal! For the past two days, I've walked in my Shape-ups and am definitely feeling the difference. It has slowed me down considerably but I really feel like I'm getting a better workout. I think I may have to alter days between my normal shoes and these crazy things. If you have a pair (of shapeups), you'll know what I'm talking about.

This change in equipment got me thinking about my "tools". It is a good idea to be thoroughly equipped when you set out on a journey of any magnitude. Just like it says in 2 Timothy 3:17 about the word of God...it equips us for every good work. I've found out, in recent years, that you will not be well equipped for good works (no matter how much of God's word you know) if you are wrung out and exhausted and in poor physical condition. I mean, God gave us these bodies to house our minds, our hearts and, more importantly, our spirits. They should be well taken care of. Not set on a shelf and preserved, not beaten bloody by work, but well fed, well rested, well tended.

The fact that I live in a place where I have such an lavish luxury to either live well or live poorly does not escape my knowledge. I'm aware that there are so many who don't have this choice...but that is a different blog all-together.

So the tools I use are these. First of all, scripture for my mind. I'm so thankful for the Word.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Phillipians 4:8

This tool also helps greatly with the heart and soul, in-case you didn't already know.

For my body, I've got loads of gadgets. Treadmill, ab-roller, free weights, rubber bands, inversion table, yoga mat, yoga ball, Wii fit plus, tennis shoes, and on and on. One of my favorite tools is my iPod. It is one of those little gifts that, a few years ago I didn't know I needed, and now...I can't live without. It stays with me almost like a security blanket. At any given point, I can conveniently look up the answer to any question posed. I can search scripture, I can search the dictionary, look at the weather forecast, play a game, I can even set my tv to record my favorite shows for crying out loud! It rests in a dock beside me at night and plays soft ambient sounds to lull me to sleep and block out any other noise that might awaken me.

The body benefit this magical contraption provides is the music it plays while I walk. Music is a grand tool. I've made myself a playlist of upbeat songs that keep my booty moving. Before I did this, I would just put the iPod on shuffle and take off. It was so amusing how a little Red Hot Chili Peppers or Blackeyed Peas will have me shaking my tail-feathers while Celine Dion or Frank Sinatra (my appreciation for music is quite diverse) would have me crawling through molasses. I also listen to bible studies while I'm walking or working which, to me, is amazingly beneficial.

With all this technology (even sitting here now and blogging) I can get way too distracted and forget to just BE. I have become somewhat fond of silence and nothingness. The music helps me to move, indeed, but there are times when I'm on the final stretch home that I will throw the headphones off, slow down, and just listen to the earth. Even the rhythmic crunching of the rocks beneath my feet is calming to my mind. With all the chaos life brings, one of the best tools I've found is finding a moment each day to slip away by yourself and stand in the presence of God. The best thing about this tool is that it doesn't matter where you are or who you are or in what circumstance you find yourself, we always have access to our Father.