Day 712- Training

1 Timothy 4 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.

This life of being a bereaved parent is no joke.  My friend Mark Pitstick says we are the ones who signed up for the toughest assignments. I would not argue with Mark.  It’s hard work. It requires diligence and dedication.  I was talking with some friends about what I do to get through this and it dawned on me that I’ve developed a pretty strict training regimen that I follow as religiously as I’ve ever followed anything in my life. I could not see making this joinery without it.

I begin my day with a five mile walk. I was telling a friend about my attitude that we don’t live in these bodies forever, so I have no desire to try.  And he pointed to my walk as an example of me taking care of my body- I guess calling me on my assertion. Two things- 1.) I take care of my body because while I don’t care about living longer, I do care about living healthier.  I don’t want to be in a  sick or weak body.  As long as I’ve got to walk around in this thing, I want it healthy.   2.) My walk isn’t about training my body as much as it is about training my mind.  Most days I listen to a Podcast or a sermon while I’m walking, effectively meditating on things of the spirit. I’m setting my mindset for the day.  Some days I listen to uplifting music.

In addition to the walk, I meditate for at least 20 minutes a day, to renew my spirit, get a download from Spirit, and to check in with how I’m feeling and try to practice gratitude.  I read almost exclusively books about the afterlife, the greater reality that we live in (including, but beyond the material).  I surround myself with like-minded people who soak this stuff up. I volunteer with two different organizations focused on making the world a better place.

I encourage bereaved parents to find their own routines, things that build up your spiritual stamina, things that prepare you for the tough journey we are on.

All of these things I do is training that holds promise for both the present life and the life to come.