…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
I adore little moments with my husband that bring me back to the early years… the days B.C. (before children) When we had so much free time, did lots of fun things, and simply enjoyed being together.
We used to go to the gym together every evening -it was one of our favorite things to do. That was like 14 or 15 years ago. Literally. I can’t even believe how fast time is flying by…
So, one recent evening, my dear husband listened to me whine again about how discouraged I am with my fitness routine, and that despite putting in lots of effort- I am not seeing any results. So he lovingly asked me “Why don’t you start lifting again? I can help you!”
The last thing I really wanted was for him to show me how to do anything fitness related. After all, I used to be a certified fitness instructor…sheesh…
I hesitantly agreed to be his “client”.
And from our very first “lifting” session, I saw that old smile on his face. You know- the care-free, laid back smile of the ole’ B.C. (before children) days… and he looked as young as the day we met. And for those 45 minutes, it was as if we had gone back in time.
My husband may not be the fittest, or have any previous knowledge in how to train someone… but one thing is for sure. He loves me and he believes in me- even when I don’t. When I think I can’t lift another pound, he is right there- cheering me on. Helping me. Encouraging me.
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Slowly, I am remembering what it used to feel like to work out with a purpose! Remembering how strong I used to feel. Remembering what it was like to work out with passion- and to push myself farther than I thought was possible.
And I must admit- I am learning to love lifting weights again. Learning to love how strong God made the human body. And I love sharing this again with my husband- something that not only brings us closer together, but that is good for our health- one that will help us have many more years together.
And to think I almost didn’t take him up on his offer to be my “coach”…
Honestly, other than Jesus- who is better than my husband to turn to for support and encouragement?
I told my husband I have faith again. Faith that I CAN do this. I feel stronger than I have in years. And even though I still don’t see any fruit from my labor, I know that He is strengthening me in more ways than I see. Strengthening my body, my mind, and my soul; helping me to persevere… and the best part of all- He is strengthening my relationship with my B.H. – bestest hubby!
blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Amen. Love that verse
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Thank you for reading 🙂
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Julie – got a huge WOW from this one. And just like the “Penny Falls” games, the wow is going plink, plink, plink, plonk – deeper and deeper. Glad for you, glad for me. Thank you.
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Thank you, Paul! I can be so set in my own ways and strong-willed at times…it has been a great blessing to surrender and allow my husband to be my cheerleader. All to Jesus… I surrender… all the time 🙂
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That’s awesome. I love lifting, too.
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“… He loves me and he believes in me- even when I don’t. When I think I can’t lift another pound, he is right there- cheering me on. Helping me. Encouraging me….This is what real love does Julie. Loving your wife just like Christ loved the church…in spite of our flaws and failures. Thanks for sharing this. I am blessed. Bless you!
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Julie…I can’t tell you how much I loved this post!!! Yes! I’m so happy you took your husband on as coach…he must be delighted too. I always start to lift…and it seems I hurt myself (just recently it was my upper back) and then I get discouraged and stop…only to start again and hurt myself…terrible circular beliefs being lived. I just loved what you wrote: “And even though I don’t feel any fruit from my labor, I know that He is strengthening me in more ways than I see.” You have just given me such a great reality check!! Thank you Thank you ❤ ❤
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Thank you so much, Lorrie 🙂 I go through the same thing- I get into a routine and hurt myself…but we gotta rest up and then press on!! Thank you for your kind words, my friend!
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Thanks Julie….I’ve got ice on my shoulder as I write!!! Love to you 🙂
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So true. Lovely. vw
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Thank you 🙂
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