The Never Ending Gifts

Last week I threw my back out moving my coffee table. It was inevitable. My back always goes out when I stop going to the gym. I’d made several feeble attempts to start again, but each time something got in the way: my mom’s accident, writing deadlines, seasonal chores, the list goes on. I knew I should go for the sake of my back, bones and general health, but the other matters seemed more urgent. Now with my back screaming at me, exercise rose to the top of my list.

My first workout back at the gym proved as difficult as I anticipated. The second time was worse. But halfway through my fourth trip I realized I was working the machines instead of them working me. With a confident flourish, I added on more weights. I had known working out would make me physically stronger, but I had forgotten how good it made me feel.

I felt good about myself. I was doing something positive for my health. My heart pumped faster as my muscles tightened and toned. I would soon be less likely to hurt myself, and I’d look better too.

This time when I finished, I didn’t feel tired. Those endorphins had done their work. I felt energized to tackle the projects on my list and to make some decisions I’d been putting off. Exercise had lifted the shroud of sluggishness and brightened my outlook. I felt stronger inwardly as well as outwardly.

Isn’t it wonderful how God enabled our bodies to build themselves up both physically and emotionally with relatively little effort on our part? From now on, I’m drinking the whole glass of God’s anatomical mood lifter by exercising at least two times a week. Please feel free to keep me accountable. And join me if you will.