So, I didn’t make it to the gym last night, but I DID go for a walk when I got home from work. It’s been a while since I’ve gone walking in the neighborhood, but with IPod in hand, and determination in my step I set out on the route that I normally take. There are three steep hills along that route. Can I just say that I was able to take them all, at a high speed, with very little effort AND I wasn’t winded when I reached the top (High Five Stacey!) Exercise has become such a part of who I am now that I really struggle when I have thoughts of skipping it.
That was yesterday, now for today! I serve an awesome God! He gives me exactly what I need at the time I need it, before I even know that I need it. He’s just good like that. I received an email from a friend thanking me for encouraging her as she too is working towards getting healthier. The email was right on time, because I was kicking myself for not “sticking” to my plans and for contemplating “skipping” my lunchtime workout and making it up another way. As I replied back to her, I found myself ministering to myself and feeling motivated to stick to my lunchtime plan. Here is a portion of what I wrote:
I KNOW how hard it is, not just the physical, but the mental and emotional battle of losing the weight. Sometimes I think the physical part is the easiest. You are doing an amazing job, and I’m guessing that just like me, blogging (and journaling) is helping you to press on. You are so right, prayer is the key component, because without the Lord, we can do NOTHING! You thanked me for encouraging you, but that swings both ways. Thank you for your encouragement as well. Also thank you for your transparency…that takes courage, and it releases the “heavy” burden of carrying it alone. Keep up the good work. Keep pressing on, especially on the days when you don’t “feel” like it. God will honor your faithfulness and consistency. You know what I’m finding out about this whole thing? It’s so not about the destination, but about the journey and the process. We have years and years and years of stuff that we have been carrying around and that we have allowed to hinder us and keep us from reaching our full potential. But those days are over. We are knocking down walls and tearing down strongholds. What Satan meant for evil, God meant for good, and we are the living proof of that. So press on my sister. Continue to fight the good fight. As the song says, the battle is not yours, it’s the Lord…allow Him to fight it for you! Continue to lean on Him and trust in Him. And on those days when you think you can’t go on, it’s okay to look back and see just how far you’ve come. I love you, I’m praying for you, and I’ll see you at the finish line. Stay strong!
Those words were for both her and I, and anyone else who is struggling. The more weight you have, the longer and harder the road will be, and it seems like the more baggage you have to lay down. But God is faithful! He is with us EVERY step of the way, and it’s like the “Foot Prints In the Sand” poem says, The Lord replied “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you”
When I get tired, when I feel like I can’t do this anymore, I’m going to trust my Lord and Savior, and allow Him to carry me through.
Much Love
~ Stacey