by Bethany Rutledge
You may have heard the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt. Rick is a quadriplegic since birth and an accomplished athlete who has completed over 1000 events from the Boston Marathon to the Hawaii Ironman. Dick is the vehicle that has allowed Rick to do so, pulling him in a boat during swimming events and serving as the pairs legs during the cycling and running legs. Someone who has seemingly insurmountable challenges such as Rick has found a way to do what he dreamed of doing; living an active life and making an enormous difference in the lives of others with disabilities. Indeed a quote from Rick upon completing the pairs first road race was “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped. “
Recently a thread was circulating on our triathlon club board about what to do when you know you need to train or workout but don’t feel motivated. People wrote in with all sorts of interesting ideas that ranged from consuming more caffeine to simply appreciating the health that allows them to get out and be active. The common thread running through all the suggestions was the power of choice. Your choice. The fact that, to a point, your health and your fitness level are up to you to decide. It is up to you to use it or lose it. It doesn’t come to anyone easy and it isn’t free, neglect it long enough and it will start to break down and fall apart, just like you would expect your car to do!
There are obviously many health situations and problems that we cannot control. Accidents, cancer and disease, as Christians we know that we are not ultimately in control. However, we are also expected to be good stewards of what we are given and I believe that includes taking care of our physical health.
The fact that we are born with this amazing machine can also make us take it for granted until something goes wrong or we gunk it up through our behavior and lifestyle choices.
How do we decide how to treat our bodies every day? Why do we take physical health for granted until something is screwed up? The fact is we appreciate what we have to work for so much more than something that we get for free. Take the example of a kid who has a million toys at home but really loves the one that he saved up for and bought with his own money. Or the kid who turns 16 and is handed the keys to a brand new car versus the one who saved for years to pick out their very own used beater! On the other side of the coin think of someone you know who is born with everything handed to them and never learned the value of hard work. How much harder it is for that person to turn into a successful and disciplined adult!
It’s the same way with our health. We are all given the most amazing machine at birth for free to do with what we choose. It is not a completely equal playing field: some of us have disabilities or disease and we all have things about our bodies we wish were different! Nevertheless, it is easy to take health for granted …. Put in the wrong types of fuel, failing to have regular doctor visits and exercise, and ignoring little problems that come up until they turn into big ones are just some examples of failing to keep the oil changed or not getting the 5000 mile tune-up! A story like the Hoyts puts health in perspective and makes me appreciate the good health I have to be able to walk, run or ride my bike. Whatever your own health status and situation is, try to appreciate it and don’t take it for granted!
All you have shared here is very true, Kim.
I’d not heard the Hoyt’s story before. It is inspiring, especially to me since I deal with disability, and will help me in the coming days as I focus on the goal of walking again on both feet.
Continued blessings to you!
Bethany, this post was exactly what I needed. I’ve heard the message a thousand times before, but today it really inspired me to action. Thank you !!