The Alabama Baptist newspaper recently had a
lead article on obesity, more specific, obesity among pastors. The article
quoted a survey that revealed that 30 percent of active pastors are obese. This
is beyond “overweight” and is considered a medical problem. The article
suggested several ways an individual can cope with the problem. In the list was
increased exercise. It has been proven that exercise is the best medicine
available for all conditions. In concern for brothers and sisters who are at medical
risk because of their obesity, I was contemplating some ways to encourage them.
About
the same time that article came out I read in another publication about a zoo
which was facing the same problem… with
its penguins. After a few months of gorging on fish, the penguins at the
Asahiyama Zoo on the northern Japanese island of Hakkaido, were becoming obese.
The vets prescribed exercise. The zookeepers organized a 30 minute waddle
session twice a day. Patrons of the Zoo have flocked there to see the daily
penguin waddle.
Aha!
Maybe, instead of a penguin waddle, we can begin a pastor waddle. Twice a day,
rise from the desk or forsake one’s activity for a thirty minute walk. Dedicate
that time, one hour a day, for the sake of health and longevity. An added
benefit is more energy for routine tasks.
A waddle will do you good
also, whoever you are. I know all the excuses for not doing so. I have used
them. But I challenge you to begin your own waddle sessions. “I discipline my
body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I
myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Grace and peace.
