Unlikely travel companions Include a winter walk

Walking I read today gets you out into the fresh air which in the winter can be a good thing.

Ben Franklin and John Adams travelled together in the dead of winter during the Revolutionary War on an urgent mission. The New England winters were brutal from what I read at this time. They lodged together in an inn where they had to share a room and bed. Today we take for granted our comfortable hotels and motels. Genius they were, they differed on many opinions including to sleep with a window open or closed on a cold winter night. Franklin argued for the window being open to let in the fresh air for better health. Adams convinced of the truth to close the window and try to stay warm. They discussed this for some time. Adams fearing he would not have any sleep, believed Franklin would carry on his debate on the healthy practice. Apparently Adams gave in and they endured the near zero weather the window opened. Thinking of these two great men both unwilling to give in and both loved to talk, wouldn't it be great to record the conversation.

Both men lived a long life and each had their views of physical fitness. Franklin was a weight-lifter as a young man and Adams loved to go for long walks of 10 or so miles. He was on a walk earlier on the day he d died at 94. Adams would be for an aerobic walk Ben the elder at the time would have stroll for a walk and more relaxed  and stress free.

Having gone through two bouts of illnesses this winter makes me appreciate health. Doing the right things are never a guarantee, but I like the odds. Back to what I read today, indoors we have closer contact with people and germs. Outdoors the article argues fresh air is more free of germs that enters our bodies and give a boost to our immune systems. I know walking gets the heart pumping and the lungs taking in more air the optimizes our immune system. So dress up and  enjoy outdoors.

It is no fun being like Adrian Monk or the Jack Nicholson role played  in As Good as It Gets where they constantly are on guard against germs and become prisoners of their phobias. No, it is better to get out and live each day.  Yeah I been under the weather but I am feeling better and today the sun came out for a few hours and the walk was invigorating. Walking, enjoying the quiet time with the Lord, enjoying creation and the people you love. Adams and Franklin enjoyed the thrill of gab, I think that enjoyment of lively ideas  over a favorite beverage (it doesn't have to alcohol)  is always a good idea for health.

CS Lewis and the inkings debated their stories at the pub with the pint. Great stories came out of their fellowship. Life lived full. Lewis and Tolkien loved to walk and walks often ended up in their tales. So take a walk, write your story, debate a point of health, Love life, love the Lord .Keep walking