INSPIRASUNS

Like many, I’ve started the new year with a commitment to get myself back in shape. I’ve put on the pounds and it’s interesting, I can totally relate the way I feel physically to carrying that extra weight. It’s time to get back to feeling less aches and pains, fitting comfortably into clothes, and just feeling better.

I’ve been a steady gym goer for years, I’ve talked about that in this little blog. Well over the Holidays I took a break from this little blog and the gym. Oy, ya that was a break I probably shouldn’t have taken 🙂 . Anyone who works our regularly knows that once you stop for any length of time, well when you go back you are going to be sore. It’s natural. You are working muscles that have been used that way in a while, so the soreness will set in over a day or two. Well, let’s just say this morning I am totally feeling the effects of taking a break from working out. It’s all good though, we’re taking down Christmas today and schlepping boxes up and down stairs all day will ease the soreness out of those muscles I’m sure 🙂 .

As I thought about the soreness of re-engaging muscles, the long haul of getting back in shape, and losing extra pounds, I thought about how this relates to many things in our lives. We all go through those low times in life. We face difficult challenges. We have to do things we truly don’t have a desire to do. We will have trials and tribulations, that is simply part of life. I think though, when we turn it all over to Father, when we truly and with all our heart ask Him to help us and guide us, we do feel the easing of the pain and difficulties. Just like I will feel the easing of the soreness later today.

One of the best workout coaches, (and friends), that I’m fortunate to know, always tells us to NOT sit idle when we are sore after a workout. That will only enhance the soreness. You need to keep moving and keep the muscles active. Well, we need to do the same thing in life when we are facing challenges. We can’t sit idle and just hope things will change. We need to be even more active with our Father, we need to talk to Him constantly, pray for guidance and strength, and lean into His love of us. I truly believe the more we do this, the stronger we become. Just like the more we use those muscles, the more we work them, the stronger they become.

So friends, if you are on a fitness journey like I am, keep it up, keep working those muscles, and don’t sit idle when you are sore. Likewise, if you are struggling with challenges and difficulties, don’t sit idle. Keep your relationship with Father close, and dig deep into it. Like our muscles, that relationship will grow stronger and will carry you through.

Have a great day friends, oh and Happy Epiphany! I’m off to take down the Christmas decor and loosen up some muscles 🙂 .

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.