September 5, 2013 (Thursday)
In 1984 I attended a two-week seminar in Nashville, sponsored by our Baptist denomination, with three other pastors and staff ministers, led by a facilitator employed by the Church Administration Department of the agency in charge. At the end of the week of self-examination and discovery, each of us received several suggestions for self-improvement actions that could be taken by us. One of the suggestions offered to me was that I begin a program of exercise, because prior to that experience, I had totally neglected that important part of my life. I feel like I was blessed, helped and strengthened by attending that conference, but I failed to adopt a program of exercise upon returning home. I now try to maintain a walking program, but it took a heart attack and subsequent physical rehab program to get me started, after being advised to begin 17 years earlier. I’ve been at it now for eleven years (off and on, but mostly on).
Where do I walk? I had a walking partner in Houston and we walked three times a week in a local shopping mall. I enjoyed doing that, and the climate was always just right. Here in Rockport, sometimes I walk in Memorial Park, where a paved path meanders through woods and around lakes, providing a beautiful place for the walk. I also walk at a prepared path at the beach, nearly always observed by several species of birds, large and small. The beach location offers several choices, at times utilizing fishing piers and large areas serving a noisy group of Skimmer hatchlings. At times I walk for 40 minutes without ever leaving the house, which was constructed in such a way that a path leads through den, bath, bedroom, hall, living room and dining room back to den, without slowing down or stopping. Sort of reminds me of the shopping mall, because it is air conditioned, and I like that. There’s also a paved trail that runs from near First Baptist Church to a lot adjacent to Wal Mart, but I have not tried that one yet.
In addition, I have several pieces of equipment that Wanda bought for me in a serious effort to get me to exercise, but for some reason I prefer walking, especially when my MP3 player is supplying me with beautiful music.
When I read about a lady who swam from Cuba to Florida, I realize I have nothing to brag about when I walk, but I’m glad I can do it. I’m sure it’s good for me.