Spur one another (and ourselves)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:23-24)
When I hear the word “spur,” I think of those sharp metal implements that jangled on cowboy boots of those Western television shows and clinked possible misery to the horse that felt their jabs.
But consider what the spur accomplished–when used effectively for training rather than punishment, spurs definitely got the horse’s attention and reminded the animal to move–either go faster, or change directions. (Please do not think I am advocating spurs for any animal).
Spur ourselves
When considering changes for a healthier lifestyle, how can the metaphor of the spur encourage us?
- Pay attention–reflect and examine what we might need to change.
- Move more–if we are mostly sedentary (not very active), adding activity is important for our heart health and weight management.
- Change directions–As we reflect and recognize some changes are needed in our lifestyle to achieve better health, a change of direction can put us on the path to better health.
What is one step you can take in a new direction that is a healthy change for you?
Spur others
Is there someone–spouse, family member, friend, or colleague you can gently “spur” (encourage) as they take steps to better lifestyle choices?
Please let me know if I can pray for you on your journey to wellness and how I might “spur” (gently encourage) you along as you seek to change direction toward better health.
Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and blessed week.
Because of the seasons here in the Northeast, I get more than my share of exercise nine months out of the year. Then Winter comes and for three months or more my exercise consists of shoveling snow when needed. I wished I could carry over the excess from those nine months and spread it out over the three months. But, it doesn’t work like that. I need to do more than an occasional cross country skiing to “move more.”
When we farmed, growing produce and baling hay, I felt the same as you. I had more than ample exercise from spring through fall. But now that I’m not as active on the farm, I must intentionally plan for exercise to get my heart healthy activity. Shoveling snow and cross country skiing are both great exercises, but I’m hoping your winter isn’t rough enough to require you to shovel and ski every day. Now if you lived in Buffalo, you’d be shoveling snow already!
May you keep your rowels spinning sweet friend.
I’m trying, J.D. I pray all is well on the Cross-Dubya.
I need to do more, and my husband and our dog do a very good job of spurring me into movement. Great post, Annie. God bless!
I’m so glad you have encouragement from your husband and your dog. Having someone to give us a boost when we need it is precious. I hope you have some warm sunshine for you all to walk. Blessings!
I get out more often in the summer to walk than in the winter. We get out early in the morning to beat the heat as much as possible. But in the winter, it never seems to get warm enough for me. Anything below 50 degrees is too cold! But between hubby getting me outside and our treadmill, I’ll get it done. Or at least I’ll try! 🙂
I’m with you when it comes to cold weather activity. Below 50 degrees and I can’t keep my hands and ears warm, even with gloves and a hat. I blame it on my advanced age! It’s good when we have others to encourage us. Happy walking!