It’s another beautiful day in Maryland. After what seems like a very long winter (which still isn’t over), these past few days of temperatures in the upper sixties have everyone longing for spring.
I’ve just gotten back from a long walk 🙂 I took my usual route through the neighborhood, and as I was marking the mid-way point, I realized that I hadn’t walked outside since late November. That’s a very long time ago, and I was struck by just how much I enjoy exercising outside. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy the gym, but it’s just different.
When I first started working on getting myself back in shape, it was April of 2009. It’s hard to believe it’s coming up to the two-year mark. At this point, I’ve really had a lifestyle change and exercise along with healthy eating will be a part of daily living for the rest of my life. Walking is my favorite form of exercise, and I would encourage everyone to get moving.
As those who read my blog regularly know, the physical changes that have taken place with me coincide with spiritual and mental changes as well. I’m stronger today than I think I’ve ever been, and that’s a good place to be. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Things worth fighting for never are.
On my walk this morning, I was struck by how much trash was covered up by the snow. Usually, snow doesn’t linger in my area, and its usually gone within several days of coming down. This year, it stuck around like a bad dream.
Buried under the snow were old newspapers, broken beer bottles, toys, and other junk. It will be cleaned up eventually, and things will get back to normal. Seeing all this trash got me reflecting.
I guess our lives are a little like what I saw today. The messy parts of our lives are often hidden, buried deep. We pretend these things are not there, but deep down, we know. Eventually, it all gets uncovered. With God’s grace and mercy, the truth is revealed, and things gets cleaned up and we get back in step.
As we all look forward to the spring ahead, take some time this weekend and ask yourself if there’s anything in your life that needs to be cleaned up. Taking care if it now will only intensify the joy of things to come, when nature comes to life again and the darkness of winter is a quickly fading memory.
