The other day I was finishing my workout by riding the stationary bike. I had already lifted weights and I was about to finish and go take a shower before starting my work day at C3 Church, Curitiba. I love to lift weights and exercise but this was one of those days where I just wanted to get done and get on with the rest of my day. My back was aching, my shoulder was sore, and one of my knees was hurting.
And then I saw Lidia walk into the gym. Lidia works out three days a week with one of the personal trainers. She is a beautiful lady. She carries herself well, always looks nice, and always has a smile on her face. Lidia does not move very fast. That is to be expected for someone who is 90 years old.
The Be Happy health club has an elevator that is reserved for the elderly or the disabled. Lidia never uses the elevator. She always walks up the several flights of stairs to get to the main workout area of the gym. One of the staff members asked her why she did not use the elevator. Lidia’s answer was priceless. “Why should I use the elvevator? I am not disabled and I am not elderly. Maybe when I get older I will use it.”
Lidia crossed the gym and her trainer helped her get on the stationary bike next to me. She smiled and greeted me with a cheerful, “Bom dia.” I had gotten off of my bike and was stretching as Lidia and I exchanged pleasantries. As I walked towards the locker room, I could not help but be impressed.
I have seen Lidia work out before. She always does some cardio and some weight training. And she is 90 years old! I wonder if maybe the reason that Lidia has such an incredible attitude and the reason that she still exercises regularly at her age has to do with lifestyle choices she made 60 and 70 years earlier?
Have you ever thought about that? Choices that we make today have the potential to shorten or lengthen our life and enhance or diminish our quality of life. If we are Christians, the stakes are raised even higher. Choices that we make today have the potential to affect our eternity.
What is one thing that you can do or stop doing today to invest in your future?
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