05/30/2026
Per doctors orders, I’ve been trying to get healthier. If you’ve ever started that journey after years of habitual slothfulness you know how hard it is, especially at an older age. So, a different diet, clearer mindset, and more exercise has been my focus for a while now. I wish I could say that I’ve conquered the transition but honestly it’s been a struggle.
Walking has always been something I’ve enjoyed doing anyway so expanding walk time seemed the logical thing to do. The first mile goes quickly, allows for time to think, and feels good on the body when blood flow increases. The strength felt from the first mile makes the second mile seem achievable.
The second mile isn’t bad but there’s not much left to think on and muscles are feeling the strain. Still, pushing to complete the second mile is bearable.
The third mile is where everything changes for me. Tiredness sets in, sweat is a nuisance, my feet are numb and my legs are tired, I no longer can think or contemplate anything to get my mind off of the distress. But it’s in that third mile that God uses the quietness to speak.
Even though the last mile seems to take forever and I no longer can push myself, I know that I can’t stop. I can’t stop and take a break, it would only make it harder to start back and finish. I know that when the last mile is finished, there will be pain and relief at the same time. The only choice is to continue with the stride movement. Stride is a regular or steady course, a step forward in development or progress, to move consistently and successfully.
On a Christian journey, we are not always on the vigorous first mile, sometimes we get to the worn out third mile. And that’s OK. All that matters is that we finish the course, keep walking, continue moving, even when reaching the point of having nothing left to push with, our body will naturally continue in stride with God as our strength.