I went fishing today on a charter boat out on the ocean. I went with some church friends and took a grandson with me. We were fishing for sea bass, ling cod, and other bottom fish. I had gone fishing on the same boat several weeks ago, and as a result of the success of other fishermen, I made up a bunch of my own lures. They worked pretty well, but I did think of several things I need to do differently to improve them. It was, again, a good day with everyone in our group getting their limit. I enjoy fishing, especially in the ocean, and I really enjoy fishing with good friends and my grandson.

Yesterday was a very enjoyable day, but it was enjoyable – intense. Today was enjoyable – relaxed. That is an excellent way to orchestrate life if you can. I have become reasonably skilled at managing my schedule so that I can live my life like breathing in – out, in – out, regularly and systematically.

Saturday, I am going to run a half marathon. Actually, I will walk a half marathon, or I will walk fast or run slow, however you want to describe it, my kids call it the Duke shuffle. While engaged in this intense physical activity that will last for three hours, I will work at controlling my breathing. I don’t want to get to panting uncontrollably, but to breathe regularly and systematically to maximize my muscles’ oxygen supply.

“Panting uncontrollably” sounds like many people’s lifestyles that I know. It isn’t an enjoyable way to live. It isn’t an effective way to get many things done that matter. It isn’t a lifestyle that results in healthy relationships. Hectic is a good word to describe it.

Controlled living starts with putting in events you do every day so that everything else goes around them; they give life stability. The two to start with are Bible reading and prayer. It is amazing how those two disciplines done every day make breathing regularly so much easier.