Put down the fork

I have been inundated with e-mails concerning the WFTD sent out the other day that mentioned that I was “porking” up and gaining weight. I appreciate the “concern”, but please worry no more. The WFTD that was sent out was actually written when I was 53 years old; in a couple of weeks I will reach 62 and by simple math one can deduce that I wrote that WFTD some nine years ago. My weight is right where it is supposed to be at 180 lbs. and I am in excellent shape.

On rare occasion when I am traveling and do not have access to a computer I have a friend who selects and sends out WFTD’s from my website, (reruns). I have been writing Words for the Day since 2000 so there are numerous in the database from which to choose. He researched for what I suppose was hours and after going back nine years finally found one about me being overweight; (I think he desperately wanted to get even with me).

When I called him and he answered the phone I said, “Hey fatso, will you do me a favor”. My friend has a weight problem and chiding him about it is my perverted way of encouraging him to put down the fork and get on the treadmill. When I called him and told him that I was traveling and did not have access to a computer and asked if he would be so kind as to send out a nice WFTD from the past for me, he chose one about me being concerned about my weight. Revenge of the nerd? Or just retribution?

I read on the Internet the other day that doctors have discovered that the arteries of obese children are similar to an old man. The obesity situation among youngsters is at all time high epidemic proportions and it makes one wonder what the healthcare situation will be like in the next decade unless eating habits change and people understand the value of exercise. High blood pressure in 12 year olds? Diabetes? Hmmm What are their parents thinking?

I was talking to our pilot on the way back from Sarasota and I told him that my priorities in life are God first, my family career, and health second and on the same level, and everything else below that. I work hard on keeping my priorities in order. He wanted to know why I did not put my family above my career or health. I answered his question by asking some questions. How can I take care of my family if my career is not good? How can I take care of my family if my health is not good? How can I serve God in the best manner possible if I have a faltering career and poor health? That is why I worked hard to succeed in my career and I work hard to remain healthy and I work hard to maintain my family life and I never try to put any of my other priorities or pleasures in life above my God.

It is my personal belief that God desires for us to try hard and use whatever willpower and self discipline that we can muster to avoid overeating and to exercise daily. The Bible tells us that our bodies are God’s temple and the Holy Spirit resides therein. God has created a great treasure in us and it is stored in our earthen vessels to accomplish His purpose and exert His power. Keep that in mind when you look in the mirror, or try to look down at your shoes and all you see is a big belly You can do it, but it will take some effort and resolve. God can help, but He expects you to get off the couch, put down the fork, avoid the snacks, and quit guzzling the cokes and beers and get in shape like I did. Try it you will like it

2 Cor. 7
But we have this treasure in
earthen vessels, that the excellence
of the power may be of God and not
of us.