My Fitness Coach Made Me Cry

When it comes to fitness, your sister (me) has failed miserably over the past few years.  The thing is, I know exactly where I am at,  how I got here, where I want to be, and what it takes to get there.

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For some reason I am afraid.  Afraid of what though?  I really believe I am afraid of falling short, so I have kept myself on the ground.  Such a silly thing to do to myself, right?  Okay, a horrible thing to do to myself, I know.  There is so much to be said about the reasons behind these feelings.  That may be where a sisterly phone call comes in...  so much cheaper than a therapist.  :)

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I started a fitness boot camp recently.  (I really want to run the Turkey Trot with you girls this fall).  It is Christian based, held at a non-denominational church.  You walk into the gym and the first thing you see is a extremely large painting of Christ's head, thorn crown in place.  On two of the four walls, there are graffiti type paintings of inspiring words with scripture references noted.

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This morning, in the middle of our workout, I was trying to do raised push ups.  My arms weren't bending, though I was doing everything I could to make them bend.  So frustrating!  I felt so weak.  So out of shape.  And quite frankly, like one of the Biggest Loser contestants on day one of the experience.

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This is when my fitness coach made me cry.  (this is the second time he has done this)  He wasn't being mean.  He wasn't pushing me too hard.  He simply made me remember where my strength comes from.

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I have to let you know that he wasn't speaking to me directly.  He was speaking to another participant who, in between her grunts and groans, yelled, "I can't!"  He said, in his gentle yet stern way, "Here, you always drop the t from can't.  It isn't allowed."  I was happy he was focused on someone else at that moment, "I can't" was going through my own head because I just couldn't get my body to do what I wanted it to do.
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He then asked the question, "Who is the one who gives you strength?"  Then the spirit spoke, "You can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13  He supported the thought by immediately quoting the same scripture.  Then he added his own inspirational thoughts on drawing strength from Christ.  Pointing out that we don't have to do more than we are able.  Mosiah 4:27  And the most important thing is to never give up.  Keep moving.  (endure to the end).
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I tried again to do those raised push-ups.  I tried hard.  I am sorry to report that a miracle didn't take place this morning.  But, as I thought about my Savior, and the strength I have felt in my own life as I have allowed Him to not only be with me, but to help me...  I felt hope.
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I moved into the modified push-up position (humble yourselves), on my knees (in prayer), and cried (to myself),  "I can do this, because He gives me strength."  I wasn't thinking so much about the actual workout, as much as I was about life.  I was inspired.  So thank you Lamont, for making me cry!