Physical

I'm out of shape. According to the internet, my weight, in relation to my height, is acceptable. The problem is that I've always been lean.

Now I've got a spare tire and it's spreading. I've noticed my feet and ankles swell more. I haven't had great lung capacity but it seems like I get winded more easily now.

On the other side of the coin, my arms, back and shoulders are stronger. Carrying kids and doing things one handed has bulked up those areas more than they were. If it wasn't for my gut, I would probably have an ideal shape.

My road to this point started when I began driving more. Prior to that, we biked everywhere because we didn't own a car. The need arose to buy a car and what went from biking everywhere to the occasional ride and then to a pair of bikes in the garage with dust on them.

Then we had kids. I slowed down more as I took on more of the parental duties. I didn't workout because either there didn't seem to be any time or I was out of energy after struggling with the kids or from doing chores.

The centurion was a soldier. He had to be in good shape. As a father, I owe it to my family to be in good shape so that I am better able to take care of them and not have to rely on them taking care of me. As a Christian, I have to take care of my body for it is a temple of God.

I do not want to endeavor to be a body builder. I would rather be the equivalent to a soldier with great stamina, strength, and flexibility. My primary goal is to lose the flab while building enough muscle to be strong.  I know that I've probably have to spend more time doing aerobic type activities with smaller weights to burn more calories.  I would like to try and figure out a way to do all of this in a real world environment.  What I mean is that I would rather do my chores and lose weight rather than go to a gym that costs money.  Save money and get things done.  Two birds with one stone.

I'll record my stats and exercises to show if it's working or not then decide on a possible change of course later on.  I know this isn't an overnight thing.

Tired

I'm tired. I read a quote awhile back that said parents that say they're busy usually have lots of free time that they have filled with activities such as kids soccer practice and dance lessons. Parents who have to work two jobs to make ends meet will respond when asked that they are tired instead. Even though we are not poor or have to work two jobs I go to bed most nights thinking how tired I am. I take care of the kids and the variety of chores to the best of my ability. My wife works full time and does her share if not more at home. So it's not that we have more on our plate than what some people have. We have less than what some have. So why can't we seem to get enough rest?

God says "I will give rest to the weary in spirit." Have we been going to Him and spending time with him? Have we laid our burden on his shoulders?

The truth is that we have gotten better but we are not there yet. We haven't developed a great prayer routine. It's still hit or miss. We pray at meals and the kids are praying before bed.

The Bible tells us to have unceasing prayer to God. We must develop a relationship with Jesus. We must talk to Him before we can expect Him to help us.

Why

A centurion was an officer in the Roman army.  He led his legion into battle rather than ordering his troops from behind.  They led and inspired by example.

In the Bible, an unnamed centurion demonstrated remarkable faith in Jesus' ability to heal the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-10).  Cornelius, another centurion in the Bible, is known as an "upright and God fearing man".

In the tv show Doctor Who (spoilers if you haven't watched it), there is the character Rory Williams. He is changed so that he does not age. They reveal this at a point when he is in the Roman military as a centurion. He subsequently demonstrates great bravery and devotion for his wife and daughter.

I would like to use these as inspiration to be a better man, father and Christian. The purpose of this blog is to chronicle my journey to be a better man.