I’ve just done something I’ve never done before, and would never have pictured myself doing. It’s kind of about cancer, and about fitness and how it helps me stay a step ahead, and … well… I’ve just entered a fitness competition! I was worried that people might think this was a ‘show-off’ kind of thing, and out of character for a pastor/missionary/international Christian worker. And then I remembered I’ll be 65 this year and that worrying over-much about people’s opinions should be something I’m over, or at least getting over. At the end of this post you’ll find a link to my profile page for this online competition, with all the details. But first, a little backstory…
Sometimes in life I’ve felt the pressure to prove myself. When you’re a short, small guy and you don’t burst on the scene loud & proud, bragging about all the great things you’re going to do, people tend to underestimate & overlook you. 38 years ago when my wife and I were preparing to go to Congo as missionaries, many of our friends and peers had doubts… “Little Paul & Cindy, (I was 5’6” and 120 pounds soaking wet, Cindy petite and under 5 feet). “How are they going to make it in a rough place like Congo? I can’t see them lasting.” We were too nice, too gentle, too timid, to shy, too naive, not bold enough and not brave enough, etc.
But strength and resilience are more internal than external realities and often not visible on the surface – until circumstances call for them. By God’s grace, we not only survived, we thrived. We embraced our new country and culture with open arms and hearts, lots of flexibility, and certainly some mistakes along the way. We didn’t really have to prove ourselves – circumstances proved us while we weathered the inevitable storms. And that’s how life works if we can trust God and be humble.
But these days, I don’t feel that pressure. After Friday’s chemo, which leaves me really tired for several hours, I took a nap, and eventually went to the gym. No need to prove to anyone that I’m strong, resilient and I don’t need rest. I need it, believe me, and age is definitely a factor – but also an advantage… I’ve done the hard stuff, the risky stuff, lived in some of the most difficult places in the world, faced plenty of dangers, argued my way through military blockades manned by drunken soldiers waving guns, become fluent in two languages besides English, and served people in need on several continents. I plan to continue. It’s been a joy, a privilege and it’s all by God’s grace. But at this stage in life I don’t need to prove anything. I’m just hoping to continue improving myself and to be an encouragement to others.
So… I’ve entered this competition – because I thought it would be fun to do something totally different – which can also serve as an opportunity to encourage people toward fitness, as well as a chance to do some more good in this world. Check it out! Voting starts Monday, May 1st. Follow the link below. And thanks!
Know This Love 