Week 8

I had an appointment with my personal trainer on Monday. I weighed in and she took all my measurements. It's been about 6 weeks since the last set of measurements and in that 6 weeks I lost 3 pounds, 3% body fat and at least 1/2 inch on every measurement - chest, hips, stomach, thigh, shoulders. It was a remarkable expereince to see these results after struggling so hard to lose weight and then keep it off over the past 10 years. I've worked hard to change my attitudes and habits when it comes to exercise and food. This week's weigh-in and measurement was a wonderful confirmation of all the hard work. Even though I know some of the weight and inches might come back on when I go back to my more normal work out routines, it still feels good to be so lean and trim. I feel really good in my body, which is a great motivation for trying to keep it that way.

I am convinced that bodies matter to God and that faith isn't just about our heads and our hearts. Our bodies are a gift through which we experience the world and with which we can also experience God and God's presence. I believe we can praise God with our bodies if we choose to by dancing, running, moving, stretching and by giving thanks for the wonder and mystery, the simplicity and the complexitiy of the body in which we move through life.

When I'm running I am in my body in ways that I rarely am at any other time in my day. I am conscious of my breath, my arms and legs, my core, I'm paying attention to the world around me and I'm digging deep, especially at the end of these long runs, to find the strength, the endurance to keep going. With every breath I imagine and rely on God's presence as my companion, as a cheerleader as one who doesn't really care how fast or how far I run but who rejoices in the joy I find in my newly developed abilities and strengths. I know that this marathon training is a time when I'm not only training my body but also my mind and my spirit to endure, to face challenges with courage, to take risks, to be in the moment and give thanks for the simple ability to put one foot in front of the other. It is a privilege to be able to do what I'm doing and for that privilege and for all that it's teaching me about life and faith I give thanks.

I read a blog post this past week from a doctor who is working in Haiti. She told a harrowing story of trying to gain entry to the Miami Field hospital with a little girl who was septic and needed emergency surgery. The guard at the gate at 2:00 in the morning decided the hospital was "closed" and wouldn't let them in until the white doctor showed her face and pleaded for the little girl's life. He said he let them in because she was white. The doctor commented that this is one of the sad realities of life in Haiti - those with white skin get better treatment and in some cases Haitians in positions of power use that power to oppress and belittle their own country men and women. The story is so much more powerful in her own words - here is the link to her blog: http://barbieboots.blogspot.com/2010/03/injustice.html It is so important, in my opinion, to hear these stories and grow in understanding and compassion for the complex realities on the ground in Haiti.

Until next week.