One of the things on my mind these days is "Do I have a plan?" Of course---I do not have a crystal ball, but it does not take a genius to figure out I have much less time there is in my future than the time in my past. I have begun making a conscious effort to think about and write down--those things I hope to accomplish with the time remaining. Does this sound narcissistic? I hope not, because it is not ALL about making me happy---it is more about living in the abundant joy of the blessing of the life God gifted me with. I know - beyond a shadow of a doubt- if I am not intentional in seeking the joy promised---it will slip away. So I am on a mission---and plan to write it down for all to see. You are my accountability partner---please hold my feet to the fire!
My children seem to think I am going to live forever. When I give them the genetic facts of the lack of longevity in the family tree, they scoff and take a trip down the river of denial. I am much more pragmatic---and yes, I might make it past the early 80's which is the cap of my genetic time line, but you never know. I am prepared---and the challenge now becomes how to have as much joy as possible over the time remaining. I do not sit around in a state of dread, but I also do not want to flitter away the time remaining. Yes, I am looking forward to being in the presence of The Father & His Son---but I am certain I should be making the most of the time here.
The first thing that occurred to me was it will take energy to accomplish all I may put on that list. Lulu Wisdom tells me to grow my energy---I have to expend some energy. My running days are over---my aches and pains are manageable---but I also need to be kind to my body. Yes, I walk--at least three times a day---but that is not enough. Those walks are dictated by Hero's ability to endure on any given day. He is old too. Some days are better than others---but he is a tiny dog---and has good days but also bad in his old age. So those walks are not going to grow my energy. I began thinking about what I could do that I really enjoy---that also would help me grow my pep and vitality. What could I do that can be done---anywhere---without special effort or equipment? What could I do by myself of with others? WHY I COULD DANCE! If it was good enough for David to dance for the joy of the Lord, it should be good enough for me.
There was a day when I absolutely loved cutting a rug---could not get enough of it. Then, later in life, my dancing was tied to aerobic group exercise. Depending upon how hard you go at it---it can be a great aerobic workout---to the music you love---at any time of the day or night---with no special outfit or equipment. Turn my playlist on my cell on and get with it or look up a video on Youtube and follow along with an instructor. There are countless opportunities and very little to stop me. Why if I am having a bad day physically--turn on slow and steady and sway with the easy beat. BUT--on my joy list---part of my plan---unless I am ill---spend time every day dancing. Dance it out---go with the beat---and enjoy the double benefit of doing something I enjoy---and getting some exercise doing it. NOW THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN! What a great thing to bring me joy with added benefits. I am starting today---and hopefully will spend time everyday---dancing in the joy of the Lord.
"Let them praise His name with dancing,"
Psalm 149:3