It has been two months since I had my right hip replaced. I still have quite a bit of pain in it when I walk, but it is getting better a little bit at a time. I didn’t go to physical therapy like I did when I had my left hip done because I figured I could do it myself at home, but I was lazy and didn’t do it, and as a result, this hip has taken a lot longer to become pain-free. But I have repented. Now, I am doing stretches for 15 minutes twice a day, riding my stationary bike for 15 minutes twice a day, and walking on my treadmill for 15 minutes twice a day. That is three hours every day, but I listen to podcasts or read in my book or the Bible while I exercise to make good use of my time. March 23rd to the 27th is Spring Break, and my pastor’s schedule is pretty free that week, so I am declaring myself totally healed on the 23rd and going to work on our house project all day, every day. That is 17 days, and I am sure that with my current rate of exercise, I can do that. On April 11th, I am going to walk a half-marathon in Corvallis, and then I am going to walk 15 miles every week after that until July 2nd, when I am going to climb Mt Adams. That is my goal and my plan. 

I also want to grow spiritually and in character every day until I step into heaven. Growing happens the same way that recovery from hip surgery does. Faithfully practicing the basic disciplines of the Christian life: Bible reading, Bible memorization and meditation, prayer, gathering with other believers, self-examination and confession of sin, seeking wisdom, giving, serving, and others. Most Christians are not very faithful at doing the disciplines for the same reason I didn’t do my therapy exercises, too busy with stuff, thinking I really didn’t need it, and lazy.