Luke 14:28-31 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? [Revised Standard translation]
Biblical Comment
The Bible encourages all of us to plan ahead, to carefully think about the what we need to accomplish, to consider our strengths and weaknesses, to evaluate our present situation and, in general, to consider the “costs” in implementing and completing our goals. Two examples are given.
The first example is that of a person building a tower without planning ahead or taking the necessary steps to complete the job. The vision was there. In fact, the vision is lofty! This person does not want to build a mere house, but a tower! However, the execution is weak. Perhaps the person started building without a blueprint, or underestimated the cost of the building materials and ran out of funds. Perhaps he did not evaluate his own strengths and weaknesses and did not consider the physical or psychological sacrifices necessary to complete the task.
The second example given in Luke 14 is that of a king going to war. This example suggests that the stakes are high. During Biblical times losing a war, not only meant the end of the king’s reign but the destruction of a whole nation. Men were killed, women were widowed, children were orphaned and, once defeated, survivors were taken into captivity as slaves. Property, possessions and even religious freedoms were lost in times of war. Entering into war required careful consideration, counsel and planning, because “everything” was at stake. For this reason, the king sought wise counsel from military experts, prophets, wise men and from GOD.
Planning for Health
Just as a person might plan financially for retirement, it is equally important to plan for health in retirement. Physical activity should be part of any plan.
Physical Activities:
Instead of just thinking about various physical activities that a person “might” do, think about your own body. Are there areas what you would like to improve (e.g., stronger core, greater cardio endurance, increased bone density, etc.) Instead of thinking about the outwards things that we often think about when we think about our bodies (e.g., less fat in various area, different physical shape or appearance), think inwardly.
Remember the best physical exercises will tend to be the ones you enjoy most because those will be the exercises you are likely to continue. So, if you don’t like one particular exercise, seek another.
In “Get Fit for Life,” WebMD list a number of reasons why exercise matter. The following are some of the by-products of exercise, thus helping a person live a longer, healthier life:
- Keep your bones, muscles, and joints healthy
- Make you less likely to have things like diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis
- Lower your blood pressure
- Manage stress and improve your mood
- Ease symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Lower your chances of heart disease
- Manage chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes by helping with things like stamina, joint swelling, pain, and muscle strength
- Help with your balance, so you're less likely to fall and break bones
Exercise can be a planned activity with others (group classes, gym membership classes, working with a trainer or you can exercise in less formal ways.
Popular Group Exercises:
Some popular group exercises suitable for almost any ages include;
- Swimming – because of the minimal stress on bones and joints
- Yoga – because you are building strength, coordination, balance, stamina, mobility and flexibility
- Pilates – because it tends to be low impact, focusing on core, stamina, strength and stability
- Bodyweight Training – because it helps to reduce muscle loss, build bone density, and increases body strength
- Tai Chi – because it helps to increase flexibility, balance and coordination
- Aerobic Training – many gyms have “Silver Sneaker” and various level classes for Zumba, U-Jam, cycling and other aerobic exercises that increase the heart rate, tone the body and increase coordination
See, “9 Best Types of Exercise for Older Adults,” by Aleisha K. Fetters, August 27, 2017, www.silversneakers.com/blog/best-exercise-older-adults/.
Less Formal Ways to Exercise
Remember, exercise doesn’t have to involve formal classes, a gym membership or special equipment. There are a number of less formal ways to get a good workout.
- Garden – Put on some old clothes and rack a few leaves, mow the lawn, weed, or sweep outside
- Take a brisk walk or jog – If you ride to work, get off the bus before your usual stop, take a walk around your neighborhood, or include a Sunday “constitutional” walk as part of your Sunday after dinner activities.
- Walk up and down the stairs- Start taking the stairs whenever you can, at home, at work, or visit some nearby building with stairs.
- Sweep or Dust or Clean – start “Spring Cleaning” early. Take it one room at a time- getting rid of books, stored items you haven’t used or seen for years, clean under everything.
- Go to a park or a library and just walk around- Make it a point to briskly walk at least once a week. Many parks and libraries have a number of weekly activities. Check out your area parks, libraries or historical buildings.
Do 1-5 push-ups (e.g., full hand, bent knee, wall push-ups, elbows in, elbows out, feet out, feet in, etc.) every morning and every night. For example, before and after saying your prayers to start and end your day. Set a target for 30 days, then set a new target. Be sure to keep a calendar.
Start Planning
What is your vision for your retirement? Do you envision a strong, healthy body and mind? Is your goal to present your body a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to GOD? (Romans 12:1)? If so, plan ahead!
Treat your health like a detailed battle plan –creating ways to fight the “enemy”---procrastination, self-doubt, excuses and other things impeding our progress.
Consult GOD about everything. Pray GOD move you to move you.
Start building your “strong tower.” Plan ahead and BE BLESSED!
