Training

On the first day of 2008, I joined thousands more Americans by adding “Lose weight/Get fit” to the top of my New Year’s resolution list once again—something I’ve done every year since I graduated high school.

But this year, I have determined to actually accomplish my goals (again, something I say every year). I have, however, done something new this time around that I haven’t added to my workout regimen in the past few years. I got myself a personal trainer.

I’ve never been very athletic, only participating in dance until I went to college. So I figured it would be a good idea to work out WITH someone who knows what they’re doing—someone that would push me and show me how to work the areas I’d like to improve.

But the fact is, I didn’t expect then what I’ve now gotten myself into now. My personal trainer has been kicking my tail. I wake up sore. I go to bed aching all over. I feel like I’m consistently starving myself. And I’ve nearly drowned myself a few times by drinking so much water. But somehow I feel more invigorated and fresh.

In addition to all of this, my trainer recently informed me that I’ll be participating alongside her in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in Nashville at the end of April. That’s not long for me to go from seasoned couch potato to experienced 13-mile jogger.

As I’ve been going through the day-to-day drill of “training,” I haven’t stopped thinking about Paul’s words written in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (The Message):

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

It all makes so much more sense now. I love it when God puts me in situations that teach me two lessons in one.

In my physical training, there are days when I feel like I’m going to pass out at any moment. In those moments, there’s nothing more that I’d like to do than fall flat on the ground, press my sweaty face against the cold concrete, and rest for 30 minutes. And then there are days I just want to give up and go back to indulging in my chips and salsa, venti mocha lattes (with whip), and daily, scattered snacks.

But I know that to get to where I want, I have to keep pushing, stay focused, and give the rest of what I can’t handle to Jesus.

The same is true with our spiritual lives. It would be easy to slack off or even give up in the race. It would be easy to participate in what the world is doing—enjoying the material goodies it has to offer—because it feels so much better. Right?

We are called to “stay alert and in top condition.” I don’t think it would be such a bad idea for all of us to add this to our New Year’s resolution lists as well.

Also posted on: http://josiahroad.com/article/training