"Start moving . . ."

I was up until 1:30 AM, but awoke at 7:30, anyway. Lying in bed, knowing that I had planned to walk again this morning, I was stuck by the words of my seminary roommate, Dave, who still runs regularly. When asked how he managed to run each day, Dave told me that he got his miles in at 3:30 AM. "How do you manage that?" I asked. "When the alarm goes off, I sit up, put both feet on the floor, and start moving." I did not take his advice right away, but I did get out of the house at 8:10. We broke a 123-year-record in Charlotte this morning for the low temperature: 56°. What a great start to a new day.

Three bunnies stopped long enough for me to marvel at their beauty. Birds sang. Other walkers in our neighborhood smiled and offered words of encouragement. Life is good.

I have never been to a spa, but Bonnie and I cashed in two gift certificates given to us by our youngest child. We each received the back treatment . . . one hour of relaxation and pampering. I needed to be pried off of the massage table. While not something that I would want to spend money on regularly, it was an enriching, spiritual experience. I do not think that I moved for the entire hour.

Brett came over for dinner late this afternoon, and we feasted on fresh veggies and Bonnie's famous peach cobbler, complete with homemade peach ice cream. Once again I had the sensation of being spoiled in a good way. At least I was able to help with the food preparation and them do the dishes.

Just for today I was selfish in many ways. God offered me two specific opportunities to minister to people in need of prayer. Strangely, I have felt closer to God these past two weeks than I have in a while. I have prayed more intentionally and read more devotionally. Retirement will be a good path, as long as I remember who I am and to whom I belong. Even in retirement I am learning that I can continue giving myself away to others, but in an entirely different way. Not having to drive all over Charlotte is a nice fringe benefit.