Tuesday Weigh-In: Doing Hard Things

A year ago the idea of working out was still intimidating.  I wasn't sure what I was capable of doing, but I knew it wasn't much.  I wasn't into sports when I was younger and had truly never pushed my body to the limits of its capability.  Actually, I didn't even think that was a wise thing to do.

Be forewarned, I now totally think we should each be pushing our bodies to the limits of its capability through prayer and on a consistent basis.  As I pray through a workout, through a morning jog, through a half marathon, I have come to realize that God is ever present.  He is my Help.  He is my Strength.  He does not ever leave me.  And because of all this ... I CAN DO HARD THINGS.

I can do hard things.  I know that now because I have done things that I truly thought I wasn't capable of doing.  This has revitalized my walk with the Lord and the calling He has given me.  It is not uncommon for me to have thoughts like the following...

"Remember when I drug myself out of bed at 6:30am and outside to run 4 miles in below freezing temperatures? ... I can get out of bed now and face the children waiting for me to feed, clothe, and teach them."

"Remember when I felt the pain shooting through my calves up to my lower back with every step, but managed to pull out just one more mile? ... I can handle the pain of this hurt, of this ache, that is grieving me today and persevere through it."

"Remember when my arms were shaking like jelly and I thought I was going to fall flat on my face but instead I grit my teeth and held that wall stand for 30 more seconds? ... Well, if I can tackle that then I can tackle the job of teaching this child long division.  Let's just get it done."

There are times when I am running and worshipping and feeling God so fully... feeling as though He is just carrying me through.  But more often, I feel the pain of each step, each breath.  Every movement hurts and I move not to enjoy the journey, but because it brings me closer to the end result.  I know people who love running.  I don't love running.  But I love that I have ran.  

And I think God keeps me in that place, because I have so much to learn about staying committed even through trials...about persevering to the end.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." ~Hebrews 12:1

Tuesday Weigh In:  This week my goal is to work out each evening with my hubby.  He is in training for a Tough Mudder event that he is doing in October, but with work and leading us here, he finds it difficult to squeeze in enough gym time.  I know it will be a blessing to him if I am motivated enough to work out with him.

How about you?  What are your goals this week?  How was last week?     

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