There's A Parable In That

On Saturday we did some shopping, and we took the stroller. Later that night, I thought to myself, I should take the stroller out of the trunk so it doesn't accidentally go to work with Jason on Monday.

What do you think, did I do it or put it off?

I've been going for a 3-mile walk almost every single morning, partly because exercise can be addictive and partly because I would go crazy if I didn't get out and feel a little independent at least that much.

Today I got all dressed in workout gear, had my Nikes on, got my Gatorade bottle full of ice water, and went to put it in the stroller--only to see the empty entryway, and widen my eyes in horror at the recollection that the stroller is still in the trunk and therefore somewhere in Mesa.

I know it's silly, but I was actually fighting tears. I felt trapped, and kind of pathetic. It sucks having to ask for rides when I need to go somewhere, having to miss out on activities at the library, doing all the shopping at night or on Saturday, and not being able to sign up to take meals to anyone from church who needs them because I don't have a way to get there. So my one freedom was at least being able to walk around the neighborhood, listening to my iPod, getting more fit, and breaking up the day for both Jamie and me.

You know what I realized? This situation is a lot like sin; illegal drugs is what first came to mind. I made a decision, and because of it, I gave away some of my freedom. I can exercise at home, and I can maybe take Jamie to the pool later, but I cannot go on the walk that I love to go on. I can't go very far, because Jamie is too heavy to carry and doesn't walk that well yet. I am bound. I nearly did some weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. ;) I've never done illegal drugs, but it's easy to see that they are extremely addictive, and that you give away your freedom to be healthy--to begin with--if you let yourself get sucked into that trap.

Maybe it sounds silly, but it hit me with some force when I first thought of it. Jason took a course for work on illegal drugs the other day and shared with me some of the extremely sobering things that he learned. How grateful I am for modern-day prophets who guide us under the Lord's direction through all the horrifying things that pop up in this world! Parents, learn about drugs so you know what to look for and can better keep your kids safe!

On a lighter note, I did my old Denise Austin Kickboxing VHS, which used to KICK my butt GOOD. It was still a workout, but at the point where I was thinking, whew, I'm getting a little tired. There must be one more combo and then it'll be over, the music slowed down, she told me I did it and I'm awesome, and we started stretching. Cool! I wasn't totally dying! So my walks (with a little jogging thrown in, until I discovered I seem to have shin splints) are really doing something. We don't have a scale, but I know my legs and butt are a little more shapely, and I'm getting a decent tan. It's so nice to do something that seems hard, and then see results.

Jason just called. I sent him a desperate text earlier asking if he could possibly come back after his morning meeting, and since he doesn't have an appointment until 4 p.m., he's actually going to bring some paperwork home and work here. Does that ruin my parable? Well, it's already probably about 90 F outside, and I already did the kickboxing, so maybe not. Kinda funny though.