I discovered some shocking news yesterday, which I thought I would work into this essay topic, “The Beauty of Hope.” My news? I live a sedentary lifestyle. I’ve denied it — but the truth was revealed yesterday in a $7 piece of plastic.

I’ve been trying to get motivated to start exercising again — lately I’ve done nothing for my health. I’m just too busy. Plus I’m sure I get plenty of exercise chasing kids all over the place. But I’ve finally admitted to myself that I’ve got to do something about my postpartum pounds. They’re stuck.

I thought maybe our scale was broken, so I’ve weighed myself about five different places — and those scales seem to be broken too. (How can our pediatrician’s scale be SO wrong? What a shame for all those children!)

Truth is — I’m 25 pounds heavier than I was two years ago when I felt like my old self. When I used to have energy! But I read in Alyice’s DM Writes blog about how she’s going to start riding her new exercise bicycle. And that encouraged me!

Then I read in the newspaper that 2/3 of Americans are overweight (yikes!), and I also read that a healthy, active person should walk 10,000 steps a day. Oh! Here’s a statistic I like — this is measurable, something I can relate to. I’m sure I walk 10,000 steps a day around here — don’t I?

So I invested in a pedometer — a little blue plastic thing that I attached to my belt loop yesterday. And boy was I active. MLK Day — no school. I had kids everywhere — at one point, we had eight kids over here and two moms talking about how tired we were. I was showing off my shiny sink (thanks to FlyLady) and clean countertops. And I loved knowing that every one of my steps was being tracked!

I went up and down stairs all day, transported clutter from room to room, prepared three meals and little snacks for small tummies, swept, washed dishes, changed diapers, refereed life-threatening battles, helped with homework, and cleaned up spills. To make sure I was EXTREMELY active, I decided I’d better take a walk.

It was drizzling, but that did not deter me — the active, many-steppin’ mom. I loaded the baby in the stroller, and two of my kids joined me in my quest for good health. My son also wore another pedometer I’d bought, so we enjoyed comparing notes — he was a few thousand steps ahead of me, but I knew I’d catch up!

Last night, when I finally got ready for bed, bone tired, I checked my pedometer and saw this: are you ready? I’d only walked 4,843 steps! Less than half of what an active, healthy person should walk! So, I’m considered sedentary. My heart is not getting enough exercise. The little pamphlet that came with my pedometer said a person who needs to lose weight should probably increase the number of steps to 12,000 per day.

I thought about jumping on the treadmill for a few minutes — but I can’t sleep if I exercise right before bed. So I hit the pillow letting my shocking discovery sink in.

And today I write with great hope. I’m going to do something about this! For one thing, my sporadic walks are going to become daily. Last week, I read in Ann’s Holy Experience blog … the most inspiring passage from C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. She quoted this:

A junior devil’s excuse for a man choosing to commit to Christ:

“How did that happen?” roared the senior devil.

“Because he did two things that took him away from us.

First, every day he took a walk, not for the exercise but for the pure pleasure of it.

Second, he decided to read a good book, not so that he might quote it to someone else, but rather for the pure pleasure of it.

Between the walk and the good book, he came within [God’s] reach.”

That quote reminded me how we connect with God through getting outside and enjoying His world — as C.S. Lewis says, for the “pure pleasure.” Since I’m a multi-tasker, my pure pleasure of enjoying the presence of God can be shared with kids who like my company outdoors and a puppy that needs to be walked.

I’m reminded of that old Chinese proverb: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” My desire to lose 25 pounds and get in shape seems like a long road ahead. But at least now I’ve taken the first step. The first 4,843 steps. I have hope that I’ll be able to reach this goal. And along the way, I’m sure I’ll experience many truths as God speaks to me while I walk and come within His reach.

Would anyone else care to join me? Let’s start a Secret Pedometer Club. We can all wear our little plastic meters and check to make sure we’re getting our 10,000 steps in. The thought of other people joining me in this endeavor makes me feel very happy. And hopeful!