[Part 2 – from the series: Little Moments]
The man with brownish blondish hair which curls at the back – Nick Loper – was walking by my side on the dimly lit road. I was peacefully and silently watching my feet go one after the other in front of me. As it often does, the consistent rhythm of my footsteps caused my mind to wonder. Then, without warning, a question came crashing into my mind.
“Nick?’ I spoke out into the silence.
“Yeah Paul?”
“What is your primary motive to exercise and eat well? Is it to look good? To feel good? To challenge yourself? What is it?”
Nick looked over at me and did not hesitate when he spoke “Well Paul, God has given me my body and its a temple, and in the past I have treated it like sh*t. When I go to the gym in the morning its to take care of this body that God has given me. Not only that, God has given me desire and passion for exercise and sports, and I want to use that to glorify God. You can view it like that for your running if you want.”
It really hits me when someone brings up God when I’m not expecting it. This was one of those situation where I didn’t even know how to respond. I had heard our body is a temple thing before, but this time is was different. The words had more meaning. The words were coming from a man putting in the effort to take care of his temple. In my head I thought ‘he’s right, I would like to view it that way.’ My response back to him, however, was “That’s good.”
I think that our interpretation of things has a lot of significance. Deeper than I know. I have a passion and desire to run. The act may look the same – get up and run. But what if I ran every morning viewing it as a gift from God. My legs, my desire, the feeling of running. All a gift. And then, when I get back from my run and eat eggs with spinach, I am giving my best effort to keep care of the temple God gave me. Although this interpretation of things is unseen by others – it is of the mind – I think the perspective helps give me internal joy. Knowledge of the truth gives greater meaning to living life. I view my live as an act of worship to God, but it was in this moment that it really struck me, that even my running is for the glory of God.
Thank you for sharing this little moment with me. The little moment series, part 3, should be coming shortly! View part 1 here: Eggs with Spinach.
