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“The real value in exercise is not found in any one deposit of time; the value is realized at the end of a sequence of deposits.”

A thought by Andy Stanley, (2009-04-23) from his book, The Best Question Ever (p. 68). The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group. Kindle

This is such a life changing thought that just doesn’t deal with exercise.  In the very important areas of our lives it isn’t just what you do one time that makes the difference but what you do over and over that shows great value. 

As Andy says, “Exercise has a compounding effect. It is the consistent, incremental investments of time that make a difference.”  He then gives other example such as “dinner with the family, date night with your spouse, time alone with God, church attendance, one-on-one time with your children, praying with your family, small-group Bible study, going to bed at the same time as your spouse.”

Take for example missing church one time won’t cause a problem spiritually but never going will make a major difference. Let’s say you never have dinner with your spouse and kids.  At some point they will come to realize that they are not important to you and that will affect your relationship with them and that will make a major difference in their development.  But I have to work which means work is more important.  Oh I know I know your reason why?  Remember I’m a retired Pastor and I’ve heard them all.  And I’ve also dealt with the consequences of the reasons why.

As Andy says, “Neglect anything over a long period of time and you will have something to show for it. Usually a mess— a mess that can generate in us a wave of concern and even energy.” 

He says, “If you stack up all the stuff you did instead of exercising, then added up their value, what would you end up with? Zero. The random pursuits that interrupt our important routines don’t add up to anything. Well, actually, they add up to a lot of wasted time. There’s never any cumulative value to all the things we do instead of the things we know are truly important.”

Thank you for stopping and reading this.

Now will it make a difference in what you do?

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 23, 2014 at 3:00 PM

    As ever Bill, lots of spot on advice taken to heart. It's the little things that make all of the difference. And exercising our faith is akin to buying insurance for the soul. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bill WilliamsJune 23, 2014 at 8:02 PM

    So true, Theresa.

    ReplyDelete

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