I got to thinking this morning while I was at the gym....some of the days you least feel like working out are the most important days you need to. Granted, there are days when you need to listen to your body and take that break, but when I am just not "feeling" it, and then I go and workout, I have never had a time after those when I wished I hadn't gone. In fact, in many ways, it can be the best workout I've had in a long time. Hence, my 24:30 5k this morning. Why? Hmm...got me thinking about it a bit.
When we are forced to look our life in the eyes, like an honest to goodness stare straight through the heart of the matter, we can really see things for the way they are and learn much. In life, we are kinda taught from day one that if we aren't feeling good about a situation, to back off from it and make yourself feel better by removing the pressure or stress that you are going through. This is opposite from what we are supposed to be doing! How in the world will you grow if you aren't allowing yourself to walk through the tough stuff? It's kinda like this...if I know I have a project or deadline coming up, and I just sit there and stare at the edge of the matter without diving into it, it is actually worse than it ends up being simply because I am fearing the unknown. Once I delve into it, and get going on it, it's a learning experience and a time of great growth! And I have found myself actually enjoying the project because I'm growing and accomplishing much.
So here I sit. Staring my life honestly in the eyes. What is it I want for my life? Why is rebuilding and starting at a different start line from where I thought I'd be right now, so difficult? I have figured out why.
It's the unknown. We are taught that discomfort is not good for us and that the unknown is ONLY scary. Rebuilding a life... rebuilding is painful! When you build up your muscles, oh it hurts, baby! ...But it's a good pain. :) Anyone who has ever pushed through lifting weights or training knows this truth. I know what's coming, but know it's good for me. Good for those involved. Like a shakeup or switch-a-roo to the normal weights routine so my muscles can get stronger.
The unknown is now my adventure. An adventure of my lifetime. No, I do not know what my future holds...but we never know what it holds, anyway! We just think we do when we settle into our life and get comfortable. God has promised to give me a future and a hope. I am now holding both of those truths in my hands. I get it. He truly doesn't give us any more than we can handle. So that is why in the most difficult time in my almost 30 years of life, I smile. It's like when you're doing that dreaded final push through the last few reps of your squats...hurts so bad, feel the muscles shaking...
But I was made for this. I was made to thrive. To thrive in any situation I am placed into. There's a smile on my face because I'm being pushed to the next level. Today, I'm on the treadmill (it's cold outside!) running, well, sprinting at the end. Hurts so badly!!! But I'm smiling. I click in, and glare at the wall. I will beat you. You will not beat me. I will seize this opportunity and make it mine. I will be able to do what is next because of the building today, in this moment. And I kicked that treadmill's butt. And the pain didn't last forever like I thought it would. My muscles were capable of much more than I thought they were; but I wouldn't have know that unless I chose to push them and push through it. You don't know what you are capable of unless you choose to dare to embrace the pain.
This is my life and this is your life. You seriously get this one amazing shot at this day, at this week, month, year, etc. You will never again have the opportunities you have today. What is it that God is teaching you through it all... today? Have you chosen to push through the lesson and get stronger or step back, on the edge of the greatness for your life, the breakthrough you have been wanting, and be fearful of the unknown? You were made to push through it.
You know, instead of seeing it as my unknown, I am now seeing it as an opportunity for the dreams I have had in my heart to find a place to land in reality. When I push into the unknown, I am providing a place for those dreams to be planted in real life and grow. Gettin' thru the tough stuff, those dreams get water and sunlight. And one day, they will bloom, bear fruit and flurish. I will leave you with my favorite quote...
"Life is not a a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: "WOW!! What a ride!" - Dean Karnazes
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