I did 17 push-ups last night without resting in between. That’s not really anything to write home about, much less a Pastor Cornered column; but let me tell you why it is significant. Before a staff retreat in 2005, we were asked to make a list of 25 things we wanted to do before we died. It was a bucket list before “The Bucket List” movie. As I prepared to talk to the Joy Club a couple of weeks ago about my life story (watch out “New York Times” best seller list), I took a look at my bucket list. I was surprised that I had actually accomplished a few of the things and am on my way to some others. On the other hand, I am no closer to some than I was then.
One of the things I said I wanted to do was to be able to do 100 push-ups without resting in between (I would probably die right after doing them). At that time I was doing push-ups and could do a few more than I can now. I don’t mind doing aerobic work or even some strength training, but I hate doing push-ups. Looking at the list inspired me once again, so I’m back at it.
Meanwhile, I read in the newspaper last week that there was some special event with Saturn that will not occur again until 2032 (I would be 88 then). I missed it this go around; so if I expect to be around for the next occurrence, maybe doing the push-ups will help me stay in better shape. There is no guarantee, though, that that will do the trick.
At any rate, my mind and heart are not really concentrating so much on 2032 as on this Lenten journey. If I can get this Lenten thing right, some of the things on my bucket list will take care of themselves. And if I revisit my bucket list, there will be some things I will change and/or add. As I looked at the list, I realized that almost all of them require help from someone else. There was a fun one that I threw in there and that was to own a Honda S2000. That one is going to require a lot more help than I deserve or need.
The important and serious ones, however, will come with much prayer and preparation and “a little help from my friends” and family and even more help from God. Believe it or not, you are providing some of that help. As I think about living to the age of 88, I am reminded of many of our folks around here who have been blessed with fourscore and seven years and one more and even more. I think about how we can all learn from them some of the lessons of life. We have many spiritual giants at FCUMC who are 88 and older. When I grow up, I want to be like them! I really do believe that one of the blessings in growing older is that it gives us more time to grow in faith and to let our lives be a blessing for others.
The Apostle Paul said, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things . . . .” It is my prayer that regardless of whether I do 10 push-ups or 100 push-ups that the things I say and do will be as innocent and pure as a child’s and as wise and mature as one much older. Thanks to all who have reached the 88 mark and who are blessing the lives of all of us during the Lenten season and always. May we all care for ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. After all, our bodies are a temple of God.
- Jim
