Spiritual Training Cycle: Connection (wk. 6/13)
I love going heavy in the gym. When the reps in a set are three or less, get out of the way because I’m coming in. And I’m bringing my heavy gear with me. Weight belt? Check. Wrist wraps? Got ‘em. Lifting shoes? You know it. Smelling salts? Well, let’s not get carried away.
Heavy lifting is the chance to see if all the mechanical work I did paid off. If the strength cycle delivered some new strength. And no matter whether the pay-off is there or I find a new breaking point, there is no substitute for going heavy.
The same is true when it comes to strength training for the soul. Sometimes we get to go heavy. And one of the exercises I love to use is gratitude. Gratitude is strength training for the soul. And it’s especially effective when you’re going heavy.
Let me show you what I mean. Imagine that you got a flat tire, your dog threw up on your bed, your child forgot their laptop for school, and your in-laws are moving in – all on the same day! I don’t know about you, but for me, that’s going heavy in life.
God is allowing maximum load so that I can grow more like His Son, Jesus. The way I do that is how I respond to the load. And that’s with gratitude.
I’m grateful for a flat tire. It means I get to listen to more worship music while I change it. I’m grateful my dog threw up in my bed while I wasn’t in it. I’m grateful to drive to my child’s school and write them a love note to stick on their laptop. And the in-laws moving in? Well, that may be my new breaking point. But I’m grateful God is always creating space for me to have even more gratitude!
When the load of life starts adding up, be grateful – God is giving you some strength training for the soul. Don’t miss the opportunity for a workout. Gratitude is a great exercise for your spiritual muscles, especially when you’re going heavy.
Questions for Reflection:
What are some of the things you’re grateful for?
How has Jesus made you a more grateful person?
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