“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
–Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
If you think something is missing from your life but you can’t put your finger on it, look no further. Monday, January 13 is National Rubber Duckie Day!
According to the Sesame Street calendar, January 13 is Ernie’s squeaky little friend’s birthday. Here are some thoughts on celebrating the occasion.
Take some time that day to enjoy a long soak in the tub, and spend time with your favorite rubber friend at home. Or, if you have a mind to travel, you can visit the rubber ducky sculpture in either Amsterdam, Sydney, or Hong Kong. The largest of these creations is 85 feet wide, 65 feet long, and 105 feet high.
If you want something a little closer to home, but you don’t want to stay at home, I’ve got just the thing. You can attend the Rubber Duck Race. This might be a great alternative, especially if you’re looking to support a good cause.
This annual fundraiser is put on by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Sponsors can purchase individual competitor ducks for as little as $5, or they may choose to purchase a brood for as much as $500. All the money goes towards research, so it’s a great deal–unless you’re impoverished like me.
If that’s the case, you might try checking out National Do a Grouch a Favor Day. This occasion is held on febuary 20th, in honor of grouches everywhere. All of us have been grouchy, and in fact, the Greek plays often featured curmudgeonly characters.
But maybe you’re saying, “I still don’t know. That just doesn’t seem quite right.”
Okay–if you want to look at something a little more practical, or you just want some interesting facts you can enjoy from the couch, these will have to do.
Did you know, for example, that walking once replaced baseball as a competitive sport? It was big in New York City, where men walked around in circles for 6 hours, 6 days a week. Many of these sporting events were held in Madison Square Gardens. People would bet on the outcome, while vendors operated concession stands.
While these spectacles are no longer held, it’s no surprise that walking is still very popular. From taking a leisurely stroll in the evening and clearing one’s head, to an intense cardio workout, a long walk can sometimes be the perfect fit for you.
People enjoy walking for many different reasons, but one kind of walk stood out to me. Power walking has a few characteristics which set it apart from normal walking. Head and arm movements are used to help propel the power walker along. Unlike a walk for enjoyment, power walking requires a bit more speed. It is slower than jogging, but faster than average walking. Power walking averages at a speed of about 3.7 to 5 mph, and it is a favorite among health enthusiasts everywhere.
Therefore, as members of the temple of God, I’m sure that this type of walking may be beneficial to you. However, the Bible calls us primarily to a spiritual power walk. It is not necessarily a sensationilistic power characterized by smoke and flashing lights. Instead, it is a quiet strength, which Christ freely offers to His followers.
In the pages of scripture, God calls us to a victory march as we let Him lead us. Just as there are different kinds of physical walking, God invites us to travel in a different way. He calls us to walk on the path of holiness–the kind of wholeness which only He provides. This type of walk is characterized by attempts to keep a running dialogue with Him, in which He governs or controls our thoughts and actions.
Living in this way offers us real freedom from the chains of sin, as we confess our own sins to Him. Instead of having our lives clouded by care and worry, then, we can walk in peace and joy. This freedom comes from the knowledge that when God is on your side, nothing and no one can be against you. So while we all face problems, we can ultimately rise above them with, and through, God’s help.
Instead of surrendering to the giants in your life, make a point of living in surrender to God, as you walk closer to Him.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.
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