Partnership for Change

I am so excited to announce that after months of sitting by and watching me work on losing weight and getting fit, Dean has begun an exercise training program!  I am so happy for him.  I admit part of me is concerned though.  We’re approaching our 15 year wedding anniversary in November. I met Dean when I was in middle school. In all of these years, I’ve never seen him play sports or do very much in terms of exercise until these last few weeks.  I keep wondering what this transformation will do to him as well as how it will impact our marriage.

Years ago we committed to one another. First we began dating, and then over time made a lifelong promise to stay together. On our wedding day we started a partnership that evolved over the years to where we are today. I’m so excited to no longer be on this fitness journey alone.  I admit Dean did a great job supporting my efforts for the last few months, but it’s completely different when I’m the only one in the house eating well and making fitness a priority.  I feel like we are working together in a partnership for change.  For months we’ve been working on rebuilding our marriage.  We’ve been working to be become emotionally, spiritually, and mentally fit.  Now we’re working together to become physically fit.

We’re slowly bringing the kids along on this journey as well.  With the birth of each child, we made a commitment to provide for them as best we could. Part of that commitment was to take care of their physical health.  I admit we were not always great about encouraging them to be physically active. We’re now spending our free time taking family walks or bike rides.  The boys are actually asking us to go on the trips, and we are more than happy to take them.

So while we are new to this journey, we are already seeing the rewards of focusing on our health individually, together as a couple, and as a family. I’ve already said “Thanks Shaun T.” once and I’m sure it won’t be the last time! Dean’s been getting up early, exercising, putting in a load of laundry and getting the kids ready for school.  These may not be physical changes but I’m really enjoying the benefits of his new found motivation!  The kids are now seeking ways to get in exercise each day.  Caleb is interested in eating healthier and all of the boys can now read and understand the nutrition label on the foods we eat.  They frequently read a label and ask me if the number is good or bad, or most recently Bo will tell us “this is really good or really bad” based on the calorie count.

The longer I am on this journey the more spectators seem to take notice.  I’m glad to have the chance to share my story, but I often feel very disqualified to offer anyone fitness or health advice. I realized today that while I may not be qualified, God has gifted me with an incredible story of life transformation. I’m happy so many of you are able to hear my story and I pray it inspires you to consider what areas of your life need to be strengthened.