Several years ago I picked up a “People” magazine and saw an article in which Matthew McConaughey was quoted about his workout regiment and essentially he expressed he simply made it a point to sweat every day. At the time I didn’t give it much thought, but since then many times I’ve thought about the concept of sweating every day and it has actually inspired me in times I didn’t feel like working out.
Now, I could grab a hot cup of coffee and sit out in the sun and sweat, but I don’t think that’s what is meant here!
How often have you gone for a walk and although it was nice and felt great to move your body, a bead of sweat didn’t form on your forehead?
How often have you gone for a hike and picked up the cadence a little faster than usual and low and behold several beads of sweat formed? Wasn’t that a great feeling once you were in your groove and you finished?
When we work hard enough to break a sweat, we (usually) have an elevated heart rate and are stressing our muscles in a “good way.” Each time we do this, we get a little more conditioned; making the next time out on the trail or in the gym a little easier when we’re working up a sweat.
Picture yourself sweating every day…doing something active every day…and think what a difference that can make in a year’s time! Try it!
Don’t we all love a three day weekend?!
But don’t forget why we have this three day weekend. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, over 140 years ago. Today, Memorial Day, we all need to pay respect, honor, and remember those who died defending us. Think about it, they died so we could have the life and opportunities we have today.
So, today as we remember those who gave up their lives so we could have ours, here is the question we need to ask ourselves: would those who’ve died so we could live, say it was all worthwhile if they were to be with you today, to see how you are living your life and to see how you are making a difference?
Don’t let them down. Make them proud of what you do and the difference you are making in this life. Make the most of it. They gave their lives so we could too!
So, when things aren’t going our way, when we are tired, and when the going gets tough, close your eyes and think of them. Ask yourself, what advice would they give me? Would they think it is so tough? Would they tell you to give up, hit the snooze bar and stay in bed a little longer and make excuses? Is that what they would have done? I don’t think so. What do you think? I’m sure they would gladly trade places with you!
We owe them giving it our ABSOLUTE BEST!!!!!!!
Click here to watch this moving Memorial Day Tribute:
Last Wednesday I had the privilege of attending the 17th Annual Silicon Valley Prayer Breakfast in Palo Alto. The theme was “Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life”. There were two incredibly powerful speakers. I walked out humbled and inspired. I walked out determined to find my meaning and purpose in life.
First was Tim Borland – in 2007 he ran 63 Marathons in 63 days. Why you ask? Tim’s life mission is to advocate for children in need by using his gift in endurance running. Click on the link below and watch this video – this is Tim’s meaning. This is his purpose:
Tim’s four keys to finding meaning and purpose in life:
- Focus on the needs of others before ourselves.
- Develop an accurate view and understanding of fear. He said fear of failure is a dream crusher.
- Be willing to risk it all.
- Pray for a God inspired vision.
Second was Joe Ehrmann. He played football for the Colts for 13 year and was named Colts’ Man of the Year. In the same year Ehrmann played in the Pro Bowl he watched his brother Billy loose his fight with cancer. This experience caused Ehrmann to rethink and reorder his priorities in life. Ehrmann spearheaded the construction of a Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore in memory of Billy. In the off-season, Ehrmann attended classes at Dallas Theological Seminary and, following his football career, he graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, specializing in urban ministry. He was ordained in 1985. Parade Magazine name Joe the “Most Important Coach in America” due to his tireless efforts to change the culture of sports. Joe and his wife Paula co-founded Building Men and Women for Others to help every man, woman and child reach his or her potential. He was also the recipient of the National Fatherhood Initiative’s Man of the Year Award.
This is his meaning. This is his purpose:
As a Pastor for more than 25 years of his life he has been with many people as their life on earth ends. He said – all people care about at the end of their life is who did I love and who loved me, and did I make a difference. Nothing else matters – not money, not fame, not power – nothing else.
Two ordinary men doing extraordinary things. So, what is your meaning and purpose in life? If you don’t know – find it!
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