Joseph Yoo

Late last year, I wrote this blog post.
It was a question that Jesus asked the man in John 5, in Bethesda.

It’s the question that I asked churches who talked about change. They talk about change, but do they really want change?

Well. A couple of months ago, my wife decided that we should both get life insurance. I asked what any loving husband would ask, in this situation: “Why? What are you planning to do to me?”

Of course it was a good idea. My wife’s ideas are always good. Always.

The insurance people sent over someone to do our blood test and all other necessary fluid tests. And if you don’t know, needles and I do not get along. I get easily scared of needles. After shots, I always ask doctors for kids band-aid. Every time, they think I’m joking and I get the boring, regular band-aid.

Anyway, last week, the results of the tests came in.
Next to the all the bad cholesterol testings were the words “HIGH” on my results. I was far above the recommended range. And, also, you need to know that I think I’m a bit of a hypochondriac. Of course, immediately, my chest started to feel funny, and I start thinking, oh man, my heart.

My wife looked at me and said, “You need to start exercising.”

But I don’t want to.
At the same time, I want to get healthier.
Then, boom, I hear the words of Jesus, “Do you want to get well?”
I responded, “Yes, but what’s the least I can do and still be okay?”

Last Friday, I begrudgingly ran a mile. Yes. Running. And I nearly died. I hate running. Never liked it at all. Then I went to our gym and did a bit of lifting.
I kept asking myself, what happened? I used to like to work out. I was in the gym every day in high school.
Then I remembered, I hated working out. Only reason I worked out often was so that I can stay competitive with my teammates in the sports that I played in.

Yes. I want to get well.
And yes, I know that involves watching my diet a bit, but also, I need to exercise more.
I need to get back on the basketball court or find some willing people to play flag football, anything that involves running with a point, like scoring a point. To win. Because, in life, it’s all about winning.

So here’s to health, to exercise and to getting well.

And to my senior pastor and other runners at church. No. I don’t want to go running with y’all. Leave me alone.