Saturday, May 16, 2009

Life lessons in small things.

Have you ever used a Pedometer?

I think many things come to mind depending on the person. Some may have a memory of using one in school or training. Some may be currently using one or have been using one for a long time. My guess though is that the majority of people out there have never used one or may even think they are a wasteful use of money and technology. :)

I recently started a program that I guess isn't really a "program". It's not even a diet either. It's more so a challenge to promote health, exercise, and in turn weight loss. They give you all sorts of free tools to use online to track what you eat and how much you exercise (or activity) each day. It also reccomends using a pedometer and tracking how many steps you take in a day.

Prior to 'the challenge' I never thought I would bother to buy a pedometer. Seemed like an expensive piece of less than quality plastic/technology. I did manage to find one at one of the more inexpensive stores in town that has a limited selection of exercise tools/equipment. *cough*Walmart*cough*

What do you think would be an average number of steps you would take in a day? I don't have any scientific data on "how many steps the average person takes per day" but I can relate my thoughts to my own averages. Some days I have 6-7 thousand steps and other days I have upwards of 12-13 thousand steps. I was surprised...I thought setting a goal of 10,000 steps per day was high.

I've never really considered how many steps I take in a day and I can imagine most people would feel the same way. I found myself remarking at little things like the surprise of how many steps I took just from my bedroom to the bathroom. :)

So I'm guessing by now you are all wondering why I am rambling on and on about 'steps' and a pedometer. Well, I was just sitting at home a couple days into wearing mine and I was reminded of scripture that references God numbering our steps. In fact, in Job it is mentioned three times that God has numbered our steps.(14:16, 31:4, and 31:37-NAS) (I just don't want to know the number of "sits" I take in a day *wink*)

I can hardly imagine that God not only knows how many steps I've taken since I learned to walk, but He knew the exact number of steps I will take in my life here on earth before I was even born. I think given the option though, I wouldn't want to know when my "number's up".

Just another one of those small life lessons you take with you along the way. I guess one thing I could take from this is how much we take for granted in life. Things that come easy tend to become an expectation without consideration. For those that cannot walk or have had to re-learn due to injury or health conditions I'm sure it's another story.

How many steps will you walk today?




Song on my mind today: I will run to you, by Hillsong

Mommy, what is MY number?

A moment spent with my six year old.

This past Thursday evening I was tucking my 6 year old back in bed (who waited up in her bed for me to get home from SAMmy's) when we somehow got on the subject of phone numbers. She wanted to know what her other number was, not the 8758 one, but her 'own' number. I said "honey, you don't have a number, if your friends want to call you they can call the house." Then she said, "I know, but I mean my 'own number' my 'self-own' number." (pointing to her chest) I asked her if she meant 'cell phone' and then tried to explain that most kids don't have a cell phone and she would have to wait until she's older. Then I tried to explain further by describing my phone, talking about who in the family has one, and I think it just wasn't going to make a difference how much I talked about it. :)
She was thinking I was saying 'self own' number and she wanted to know what her 'own' number was, her 'self own' number, the one she owns for herself. After a little while I think she was satisfied in her questions or she was just tired.

Ha Ha...the things kids hear and understand differently.