The day after I wrote my post about insecurity, I got myself in the gym and started working out for the first time in YEARS. I have never been a big fan of exercise. I enjoy being outside and doing physical activities with a purpose, but exercise in a gym has always felt pretty pointless. I also do not really enjoy doing things I don't do well.
My motivation for finally getting committed has been building for some time. My cardiologist has been encouraging me to get on a cardio program more structured and intentional than just 'chasing children.' This Spring, I have experienced a little weight gain. I have a family history of osteoporosis, which means I should be doing weight bearing exercises now. Additionally, I started feeling convicted about not being a good steward of this healed body God gave me 4 years ago. I am healthy and strong--how dare I take that for granted!
So, off to the gym I went and I am excited to report that I am feeling motivated to keep it up. I joined a place with great free childcare and our Summer schedule has included 4 visits a week. My lack of coordination is humbling. My muscles are aching. But I feel like I am doing the right thing for myself, my family and my testimony.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20
I know I must keep this in perspective and make sure my motives remain about health not image. I was reading Brennan Manning and came across this, "A beautiful body in the eyes of the Lord is one spent in self giving, poured out as a libation in loving service, an instrument of self-donation. You have been gifted with a body fitted for that...In this light, your body is truly something beautiful for God, regardless of size, shape, and other dimensions. Like Jesus' body it is meant to fulfill what is written in the book, 'I have come to do your will, O God.'"
Here again it seems to be all about balance and perspective.
9 comments:
I was so encouraged by your post. I'm 22 years old and just started going to the gym again regularly about three weeks ago. I ran a 10K race at the beginning of April, but since then hadn't been doing much.
I'm trying to find the balance between losing weight but also enjoying the blessed life God has given me. I hope you're able to do the same!
chelsey.wordpress.com
Hey Sweets!!! I am starting destination weddings so if ya hear of anyone needing a photographer who is having one shoot them my way :) Thank you sweets!!
Crystal
www.crystaldawnphotography.com
LOVE your blog by the way!!!! God is good!!!
I hear you on this one! I really don't enjoy working out...at all. Now I do it for my family more than anything. I want to be around as long as possible and that means making a little time for myself. Kudos to you for getting into the gym!! :)
Good for you! Keep up the good work!
You have such a good perspective on things. I seriously don't like to exercise, I need to get motivated!
Thanks for sharing so many vacation photos, I just LOVED seeing them and reading about each day. I'm going to keep this in the back of my mind for when our boys are older, what a special trip.
good for you! i need to head there myself!
all the stories and pictures were wonderful of the vacation!
Love the quote at the end, something we all need to grab onto day after day after day, since everything in society is telling us differently.
What a timely post for me to read. I have been working out for 3 weeks now 3-4 days per week. I don't loose weight easily!!! So I haven't seen much weight lose. But God keeps reminding me to not make it an idol and that beauty is much more than outward appearances (1 Peter 3:3-4).
I grew up HATING exercise but decided last year to buckle down and join a gym. Because visible change doesn't happen quickly for me, I started writing little notes on my calendar (i.e., how many minutes on the elliptical, how many tummy crunches, how much weigh I lifted). Even though it took a while to see the evidence on my body, I could see evidence on my calendar, and that has motivated me to really keep it up on those days when I feel like I'm just wasting my time.
Way to go!
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