A workout plan typically involves a goal of
toning muscles. One may choose to tone
abs; while another chooses to strengthen arms.
Still another may choose to work on defining leg muscles. In any case, it takes a dedicated individual
to show up daily and put in the work.
Granted, rest days must appear along the journey as well.
Motivation increases chances of success. The source of motivation varies. Some place a picture on their fridge from the
past with a goal to get back to that size.
Another may gather a few friends for accountability. Other motivations include, but not limited
to, beating a diagnosis, a future event, keeping up with kids/grandkids, feeling
less fatigue or trying to fit back in a favorite pair of clothing. Regardless the motivation, without such drive
to reach a goal, the daily work will be darn near impossible.
Once the goal is met, discipline is still
needed to maintain. The journey does not
stop at the goal. A daily decision must
exist to maintain. Motivation to continue
must be present.
We will work diligently to tone muscle, feel
better physically and reach “that” goal.
But, will we work just as hard to tone our spirit, feel better
emotionally and press on toward the goal.
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let
those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you
think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let
us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:14-16
My dear friends, I spent countless years,
days, months and hours working toward the goal of numbing my emotions. I sought a goal of perfection. I worked diligently to shrink in size,
exercise until the physical pain overpowered the emotional and starve in hopes
to numb. I walked daily down a treacherous
path. I fought for survival in this
world. I lacked motivation to process
the world or tone my spirit. I was lost!
Hitting rock bottom caused me to surrender the
fight. Motivation began to appear in the
form of loving individuals desiring for me to live. They provided help in eating again, supported
me on the horrible days and loved me along the path. I became physically healthy again.
Only to realize that was not the complete picture.
. .
Being physically healthy did not help me
process through trials in this world. I may
have gained physical health but remained spiritually apathetic. I realize now the importance of spiritual
health. We must strive for a strong
spirit, Truth filled soul and constant connection with our Father in
Heaven. The process requires a workout
plan.
Show up daily, ready to be a disciple for God,
listen to His Word, stand strong on Truth and walk in faith. It takes dedication, patience and motivation
to stay focused on the goal we have been called to accomplish this side of
Heaven. The journey does not end when
making through a trial in life. The
journey continues with us taking the strength built from one trial and using it
to face the next.
Each trial strengthens, tones and heals our
spirit. This world can crush our spirit
and leave us at rock bottom; but, keeping our eyes on the One that carries us
through will help us maintain emotional stability. We can then take our experiences and help
others in their journey. Our goal in
life is to motivate others in the same way that God motivated us to process
through this life. Point others to Him.
Let us take this life and strive for spiritual
health along with physical health. Both
must coincide to be strong in this broken world. We must show up daily, put the work in and God
will do the rest. Our motivation in life
is the goal of Eternal life with God. Without
this as a goal, the daily work will be darn near impossible. We are too weak as humans to face this broken
world alone. We need the guidance and
power of God to remain strong.
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
