Jimbo's Jots

I’m taking a week break from the Holy Spaces conversation to talk about going back to the gym. I have had a membership at a specific gym for a while now. But, especially in the summer when the schedule is a little crazy, I don’t go as often. This past Monday, I started back up. Even the “check in” girl was like, “Woah! It’s been a while!” (Yes! I know!!)

So after almost a week, here are my reflections:

• There will be pain, but it’s not that bad! When I first started at this gym, I signed up to work with a trainer. Each week, he set up a plan of action for the week. So, this is what I’m going back to. But I’m learning that starting back up, is painful. Muscles ache and groan for a while after not using them in a while.
• There will be judging! There is a particular gym I was a member at that says, “No Judgement Zone!” as a part of its advertising. But there is! You look at what other people are able to accomplish and you want to be like them . . . tomorrow!
• All are welcome! There are old, young, all ethnicities, male, female. To this point, I guess there is no judgement. You come in, go about your business and sometimes, strike up a friendship with a fellow gym rat. A new one this week . . . while I was on the treadmill, a lady got on a treadmill and stationed her oxygen tank right next to her.
• Have a good playlist! Listen to what inspires! My playlist is primarily Christian R & B, HipHop, and Gospel. How did I find my list? I actually did a search on Apple music and found someone else’s workout playlist. Some of my favorites: Fred Hammond’s Jesus Be a Fence Around Me, 1-2 (Victory Check) by Tye Tribbett & G.A., and Hezekiah Walker’s Every Praise.

Sometimes we face our faith like working at the gym. We look at the pain that sometimes comes because of our faith. We “judge” others and compare how “weak” our faith is to someone else’s. We must remember that in God’s family, all are welcome and invited! And it’s always good with listen or better yet sing praises.

And remember like the gym, it gets easier when you go! Also remember, when we have a bad day at the gym today, tomorrow might be better! In our faith, it becomes easier to live it out when we are aware God’s presence around us and that “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23)!

Be blessed and be a blessing!