5 Steps

 Running 5 to 6  miles weekdays and 10 to 12 miles on the weekends was normal for Jim. He was a sprinter originally in high school and college, super fast, some records still standing. Then over the years following, he moved in to distance. Genius time. Work it out time. De-stress time. Those kind of runs, certainly not something most people are going to do. But, he is not most people. We actually would talk about how it was difficult sometimes for people to relate to him when he would encourage someone about taking better care of themselves. No way were they going to take up running. Heck. Finding time to walk a mile was hard to think about. They were fighting twenty pounds. Jim never knew 20 extra pounds. But, his concern for a friend to be well, not only to lose the weight, but the heart or other bodily damage that could result always won out. He would find a way to bring it up. Not to be right. Not to embarrass someone. But, real concern. It was not uncommon for him to say, I'm worried about so and so.

At times, I think his kindness and concern for people, his ability to relate, could make him suspect in today's environment. But. No motives. It's such a rare thing. I don't know if people recognize that higher quality when they see it. I know when we met, I wondered if he was too good to be true. Well, he's true.

And, yesterday he took five steps. With a walker. Assisted on both sides. Five steps towards recovery. The ability to reach deep down and challenge himself still intact. I did not get to see it, but when I called to check on him, the staff said it made their day! It certainly made mine.

So, on behalf of Jim and his hope for people to be well... Do your five steps. Or your ten pound weights. Or your down-dog or jazzer size. Eat healthier and take your supplements. Take care of the beautiful body God gave you, so if you need to pull on the reserves for whatever reason, you have them. 

Use Jim to inspire you to be well. To be grateful. To do a little each day towards something bigger.

Today five steps. Tomorrow.......