Lent #9: Training

 

Physical training is

     of some value. (First Timothy 4:8)

 We get our word “gymnasium” from the Greek word "gymnasia" which  the N.T. usually translates as “training.” While the Apostle doesn’t want us to overrate physical training, it is of “some value.” Each of our children had their children, for the first time during pandemic, take to the court (volleyball) or to the pool (swimming) or to the links (golf) or to the field (football) to compete for their school. There’s something beautiful about it—the putting on of the school uniform and taking the court/pool/links/field to put their training to the test—to represent their school.

Youth has something to do with it. Linda and I try to exercise just so we can continue to make it out the door. It’s the beauty of youth that takes our breath away—how their bodies work with such grace and ease. As the wisest of mortals observes: “Enjoy your youth, and let your heart cheer you… Banish anxiety form your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth is fleeting” (Ecc 11:9-10).