If you are like me, I’m guessing you are ready for spring. Warming temperatures, spending more time outdoors and feeling the warmth of the sun. The last couple of weeks reminded me that we are still in the winter season, freezing rain, sleet, snow and bitter cold temperatures. This current weather pattern has me longing for warmer days. This longing creates a tendency in me to be lazy, eat without discipline and not take an appropriate general healthy approach to every aspect of my life.
My training, specifically, my running has been impacted not only by the weather but also by a nagging hamstring injury. I catch myself longing for the days when I can go for a run again. Why is it that I long for the future but often look past today?
I’m reminded that today is a day that was specifically made for all of us. I should be thankful for it and find joy for what the day brings and how much the gift of it means. But I am easily distracted, forgetting and longing for something different. How weak am I?
Some of my favorite verses in the Bible reference making the most out of every opportunity:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Note that the verse says “because the days are evil.” Days are created to be good but so often life happens, bad weather happens and I just get down some days. The days become “evil.” They play tricks on my mind, my heart, my soul and my strength. I get distracted in doing good and do no good. When I have thoughts and feelings like this I need to remind myself of the words, “make the most out of every opportunity.”
Be wise in the way you act toward others; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
Wise choices are the key to making the most for myself, my family, my friends and everyone else I may come in contact with that day. We stress at 413 to get 1% better each and every day. My prayer is that as spring nears I am preparing myself daily to be the best I can be.
Spring is a sign of new life. It shows us that there’s newest and freshness all around. I can’t wait until spring, but as I look forward to a new season I rest faithful in my daily pursuit of being 1% better. Will you join me?