Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2001

Subject: “Forever Fitness” Health Club

Dear Ethan & Emily:

All of us need physical exercise, and I realize I need to do more.  Perhaps this will be one of my 2002 resolutions…that I will try to spend some time each week doing this, but as you know, I do a lot of walking in my work, and I try to be active and “on the move” most of the day.

As important as physical exercise is….never forget that developing spiritual health is even more important.  I like the way the New Living Translation presents this:

“Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.  Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.  This is true, and everyone should accept it.”  1 Timothy 4: 7 – 9 

God is not asking us to get off the cycles and tread mills but He is asking that we “…run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12: 1b) and that all of us must “…run in such a way that you will win.  All athletes practice strict self-control.  They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So…run straight to the goal with purpose in every step…discipline your body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.” (1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27)

As your Dad, my prayer for you is that at the end  of your lives, you might be able to say with Paul:  “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and I have remained faithful.”  2 Timothy 4:7  Certainly, that is my prayer and greatest desire.

As a family we are members of “24-Hour Fitness” Health Club.  As Christians, God offers us free membership to “Forever Fitness” Health Club….where the benefits last for eternity. 

Make time for spiritual exercise and training today…and every day.

From “24-Hour” to “Forever”…

All My Love,

Dad