Mind over Matter

I've begun running again recently. I used to be a runner.   

It was my release, my freedom. It was how I unwound. 

And it was different then too. I could skip a week or three, and pick right back up, 8 mile pace, for  3 miles...no problem.

But when at age 36 I decided to run again, my body and I had a little disagreement.  After birthing two babies and adding a few years of life, my body was sure it was time to relax.  I just heard someone say that our bodies have one goal...to become mulch, and I think mine was well on the way.

So I got plugged into a running program and managed to run around the block. And then the neighborhood. And one rainy day, I even ran in a race.  

And then I gave in to my body and went back to holding the couch down for a few months. But now I'm back at it. 

Well, today I realized that I've gotten past the point of sheer effort and anguish.  Now my body is ready to go.

I was told years ago by one of my coaches that running is 85% mental.  I think he was wrong. I think it's 99% mental...give or take.

Because now I can go further, but I'm inclined to stop sooner than I should. I'm getting bored. And thirsty.  And sweaty.  I need chocolate.

Mind over matter. 

I've got a flaw. I love new things. Moving to new cities, trying new foods, starting new projects. Starting to get in shape. But then the new become routine and must be maintained. And that's where I usually start to lose momentum.

I procrastinate. 

Even with the things I love.  

James chapter 1 tells us this in verse 4: "And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Lacking in nothing sounds amazing. Being perfect and complete sounds like something I desire. But first I must endure in testing. 

I must persever through the mundane. I must get up, put on my running shoes, and walk out the door, and then, run. And run well.  I must build up strength.

I must let endurance have its  perfect result. 

With the small things. Like words. And attitudes. 

With the details. A job done, or a job done well with a joyful heart. 

With the great matters of eternity and my soul.  I can tag a verse of the day, or dig in deep, in study, in prayer, in worship, and grow my soul. And then water the souls around me.

Endurance. The results are worth it.

And it all starts with mind over matter.  

Bucket list

Everyone has a bucket list. Or so I've heard. In all honesty, mine currently includes having a maid come clean my house, a fairy to do my dishes, an au pair to watch the kids for a bit. 

Then, while all those good folks are working hard, I'll crawl into bed and sleep. My ambitions aren't all that big these days.

My kids have a bucket list too.  Every day as they go to bed, their dad is at work. And they ask, "Does Papa work tomorrow?"  Because their bucket list is shorter than mine. For both, there are two items. 

1. Spend time with Papa

Every Papa is a Superhero...

2. Spend time with Mama

"Mama" as taken by the kids

We've been working on their bucket list. And that's calmed down my restless drive to go somewhere on Jason's days off.  Instead, we've been planning family days at home, and peppering them with fun projects.  

Like this one from Homemade Modern.  If you love DIY, modern design and concrete, this blog is for you!  (http://homemade-modern.com/ep8-2-revisit-bucket-stool/)

So, we started our day with a trip to Lowes for Quickcrete and posts, and a trip to Nana's house for a bucket.  An hour later we were home and ready to go.

We love stirring cement. And pouring water. 

In all honesty, the kids helped measure the concrete, pour the water, stirred for a minute and then decided to dig mud holes in the front yard.  

And in all honesty we were ready to get annoyed at their lack of interest in the project, and make them keep participating. Because that's what family bonding is all about, forced interactions, right?

But we talked and decided to let it go and finished out ourselves...

Ahem...himself, that is...

Everyone cleaned up and had popsicles. And even though the kids were done about 5 minutes in, all they talked about through dinner and bed was "their stool" that "they built."

And they rushed outside to see how it was doing the next morning.  It's hard to wait 24 hours for it to cure.  

And when it came time to remove it from the bucket, all hands but Papa's (he was at work), were on deck...

Jumping Jacks

It took a bit of work to get it out of the bucket...but those tenacious kids didn't give up...

"You ride it like a horse while I pull..."

And eventually...

Ta da!

We had our stool.

And they were so proud.

Once I read that when we major on minors, it's like moths are in our lives, eating holes in the fabric that weaves our days together.  

I'm so glad we swallowed our words of frustration at the kids who weren't spending the time as we intended.  I'm glad we left the fabric of that day whole.

Because now all that's left is a beautiful memory of a fantastic day.  Together.  Two bucket lists, complete.

Til next time!