The True Story

There are a lot of things in life that can be annoying. Taxes, gas prices, and people for example. But maybe we wouldn’t get so annoyed with people if we had more information… because it seems to me… everyone has a story.

For three weeks now our street has been under construction. Since I can’t drive on our street, I can’t drive home. Which means I typically have to park blocks away and carry heavy groceries and all the stuff that we need back to our house. Talk about annoying!

So last week, there I am carrying groceries and some of my tools down the road when I see a car parked in front of the cones that block off our street. The car is also blocking my way, so I figure it’s some inconsiderate idiot that’s confused by the road block. Instead, I see it’s an older woman behind the wheel. So I ask her if she needs help. She explains to me that she is an 88 year old widow who lives alone and has trouble walking. She said the construction crew put in a special ramp at her house so she could pull into her driveway and they were supposed to move the cones for her, but they must have forgotten. Now I feel like the idiot! So I offered to move the cones for her and then put them back. She was sweet and super thankful and reminded me of my Mom who passed away at 85. I’ll bet at 88 she has a lot of stories she could share if someone would take the time to listen.

Also last week, our new next door neighbors were out on their patio late one night. They were talking and laughing and generally being noisy, which was annoying because I needed to be up early at 4:45am the next day. I didn’t say anything to them or complain about the noise, and I’m really glad I didn’t because I ran into my new neighbor the next day as we were both carrying heavy loads on our way home. He asked me about my wife wearing a knee brace, so I explained how she got hurt a few weeks ago. He then made a comment that it’s always tough when someone we love is hurt or suffering. He then explained how his wife just went through breast cancer treatments including a double mastectomy and yet was doing her best to recover and stay positive. He said, “I try to keep her happy and I am so grateful that she can still laugh and smile!”

And that got me thinking… I too am grateful. Grateful that every person on this earth is different, each one with their own unique individual story. Grateful that they’re sometimes willing to bless me with their personal stories.

The true story of every person in this world is not the story you see, the

external story. The true story of each person is the journey of their heart.

                                   ~ John Eldredge                   

The Start of a Journey

For most people, traveling is fun because the journey often feels like an adventure. In fact, two friends of mine just returned from a journey to the “Great Wall of China” and had a fantastic time. I am in fact on a journey myself right now. However, I’m not actually leaving the country.

Earlier this year, I saw my regular doctor for an annual physical and he ordered some blood work. The results weren’t great, so he sent me to see a cardiologist and a pulmonologist. The cardiologist tested my blood pressure, ordered blood work, and put me through a heart stress test. The results were a little bit alarming. I then went to see a pulmonologist who performed a spirometry test on my lungs and ordered x-rays and a cat scan. Again the results were a little bit alarming. That was three months ago, and I was supposed to go back to my regular doctor for a follow up visit to discuss the “alarming results”, but of course I haven’t found the time to do that. I did, however, start putting my health issues into my nightly prayers.

Six weeks ago I sat down with my wife and together we decided I needed to go on a “Fitness Journey”. Funny thing is I’ve always been fairly fit and not overweight. I’m 5’11” and have weighed 180 pounds for the past 30 years. But I am also, apparently, pre-diabetic with elevated blood pressure, intermittent cardiac arrythmia and very high cholesterol. Fortunately, my wife is a great cook and immediately helped me by suggesting a “Fitness AP” that tracks your calories as well as the percentages of Carbs, Fats, and Protein you need each day. She also recommended I increase my exercise program and start swimming because our bodies are a cherished gift from God, temples that we should take care of in order to honor Him. Smart lady… good advice!

It’s kind of embarrassing to share this information with you, but I’m actually excited about this journey I’ve started! So far I’ve lost 11 pounds, feel stronger, and have more energy. Who knows, I might even end up with a decent set of ABs! More importantly, I am no longer praying for good health. Instead I am giving thanks for the good health I have and a God who is always guiding me in the right direction. And for this journey… I don’t even need a compass or a passport!

Men usually take better care of their boots than of their stomachs.

~ James Lendall Basford   

                     The Philosopher’s Stone, 1882