Weekend Warriors

It's Monday. Ughhhh....

Apparently, I overdid the snow shoveling thing. My shoulders, elbows, and wrists are sore and lifting my arms above shoulder level is frowned upon by my body. The situation presently plaguing my body is something some would call the "weekend warrior" illness. You've probably heard of this ailment. It usually affects those of us who are a bit north of 25 years of age and who think we can still do what we did when we were 20 years old. The day(s) after the event help us realize that a few full moons have crossed the sky since those glory days of vim and vigor.

Being in muscular and cardio shape requires a daily regimen of exercise and discipline. Setting aside time to attend to our bodies with moderate exercise pays dividends long term. When we need to push our bodies to perform under duress (like deep snow that needs shoveled) we have stamina and endurance to do the tasks and not feel like a Mack truck side-swiped us.

Our growth in faith development is similar. If we are steadfast to daily seek wisdom from God's word and internalize these truths deeply into our hearts and minds, then we'll have an abundant resource from which to draw during times of duress and struggle.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your

mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect

will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

The "weekend warrior" syndrome that plagues many christians is ill-preparing them for dealing with crisis. Folks who attend Sunday services and then disconnect for the next six days are in danger of getting side-swiped by Satan's Mack truck.

Here is a word to (the wise) those who want it. Immerse yourself daily in the Bible. Strengthen your faith and spiritual development. Build the muscle tone of your heart and mind and increase your endurance. God desires to supply our needs. Fill up.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and

Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20, NIV)