Confidence and endorphins from a good workout led me tonight to add a longer yoga routine to my daily ritual (I definitely recommend this one!). I have my normal set of Sadie Nardini, Jillian Michaels, or BeFit yoga practices I enjoy but after a week of free styling my own practice I was in the mood for something structured and slightly different. Despite the familiarity of the poses, something about them felt especially challenging.
After holding each pose for what felt like an obscene length of time, Nardini's words, "Hold this pose for 3 more breaths" offered hope for shaky muscles and a tired mind. While inflicting such pain and weariness, however, Nardini repeatedly reminded that transformation does not come without pain. Transformation happens through the burn, the holding of poses, and the pushing through of those final breaths in the practice. Without those key ingredients, there is no transformation.
All of Nardini's talk of body transformation brought to mind a motivational (and, for once, not ominous) quote of Jillian Michaels. During one of her yoga instructions she states that "it's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens... It is not a future event, it is a present day activity."
Though these instructors mentioned transformation in relation to yoga, I find them true for life. Sometimes transformation cannot come without great pain. The sticky situations must be endured just a little longer and it may be tempting to give up or give in to discouragement when the best does not feel good enough. Life, however, is not about being perfect, it is indeed about effort. Transformation happens when effort is delivered. When the heart begins to shake from weariness the exhausted soul should not give up. Just as muscles have to shake and endure uncomfortable positions to see growth, the heart similarly must walk through fire. But push through; the path of seeming fire may lead straight to transformation.
I close with the words of C. S. Lewis:
"It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: It would be a jolly site harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
A Red Light Encounter
Today was one of those days.
Left alone with my weariness and overwhelmed thoughts after a hectic day of classes, I sat behind a long line of cars delayed by the seemingly-endless red light that separates the students from the free world. I had Jason Derulo's latest hit cranked to the highest possible decibel, bringing a strange sort of comfort to my exhausted mind and body. My dinner of an Atkins Diet snack bar was frozen in my lunch box. I am unsure whether the moisture on my face was rain or tears (probably a mix of both).
Out of my peripheral vision I noticed the man in the car next to me had his interior lights on and was frantically motioning for me to roll down my window. Not caring to turn down my music, I slowly lowered my window and stuck a tearful head out to hear him shout,
"Tell me what first comes to your mind. Who do you love?
"Uhh... God?" I said this with a slight eye-roll and scoff in my mind. This guy was obviously feeling as nuts as I was.
"Good," he nodded eagerly. "What do you love doing?"
To this I responded without hesitation. I might as well humor the poor man. "Yoga!"
"Love God and do what you love!"
I could hardly think of a response before he excitedly shouted again, "This saves lives. The world needs to hear and the world needs to know. Don't just keep it here, take it wherever you go. Love God and do what you love!"
Then the light was green. The man was gone. Jason Derulo was quickly silenced. And the jumbled "conversation" rattled joyously in my mind. Somehow this stranger (possibly Jesus, an angel, a man on a queer witnessing mission, a man just released from an asylum, or a figment of my imagination) knew the question I regularly contemplate and discuss. Granted, it is probably assumed that this question is asked by probably every college student. But by a strange chance he echoed a couple of beloved voices that have recently spoken into my life with words like "Love God with all of your being and do what you want. Your desires will be His and His will be yours" and "Ask not simply what the world needs but also what makes you come alive, and go do it."
Something about this encounter at the stop light shook my world a little bit. I've had time recently to think about my current top two choices for a college major: one option is secondary education with an English focus and the other is some sort of shebang of a major that combines exercise science/nutritionist/yoga instructor certification (there would then be further certifications I could obtain in the exercise science and nutrition fields). I have heard no profound direction from heaven as to which path to take so I continue to ponder and pray.
But this man made it sound so simple. Love God. Do what I love. Hearing these words in the specific context of yoga made it exceptionally exciting. It raised all sorts of possibilities. What a thrilling prospect to consider joining my love for God with my desire to improve not only my life but others' as well with the benefits of yoga. The fact that the man went a step further in saying not to keep this skill here but to take it with me wherever I go sends shivers along my wander lusting skin. How perfect to take both Jesus and yoga on traveling adventures.
I am uncertain how to process the unexpected words said by this unforeseen man. I feel almost silly for considering his words so seriously and allowing myself to become this awakened by them. I do not understand the meaning behind this chance encounter. But this I do know - God is so kind. He was acquainted with my tired and questioning heart and knew the encouragement I needed. He hears my daily question of "What would you have me do?" and cared enough to remind me not to drown my own dreams and desires. Tonight reminded me that it is okay (heck, it is good!) to dream something with an element of unknown, that requires one to walk courageously and imagine wild possibilities. It also reminded me that following God, the author of dreams, involves unexpected risk. Though I do not generally advise the risk of rolling down the window to converse with men on a rainy night.
I end with the words of T. E. Lawrence:
"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."
Left alone with my weariness and overwhelmed thoughts after a hectic day of classes, I sat behind a long line of cars delayed by the seemingly-endless red light that separates the students from the free world. I had Jason Derulo's latest hit cranked to the highest possible decibel, bringing a strange sort of comfort to my exhausted mind and body. My dinner of an Atkins Diet snack bar was frozen in my lunch box. I am unsure whether the moisture on my face was rain or tears (probably a mix of both).
Out of my peripheral vision I noticed the man in the car next to me had his interior lights on and was frantically motioning for me to roll down my window. Not caring to turn down my music, I slowly lowered my window and stuck a tearful head out to hear him shout,
"Tell me what first comes to your mind. Who do you love?
"Uhh... God?" I said this with a slight eye-roll and scoff in my mind. This guy was obviously feeling as nuts as I was.
"Good," he nodded eagerly. "What do you love doing?"
To this I responded without hesitation. I might as well humor the poor man. "Yoga!"
"Love God and do what you love!"
I could hardly think of a response before he excitedly shouted again, "This saves lives. The world needs to hear and the world needs to know. Don't just keep it here, take it wherever you go. Love God and do what you love!"
Then the light was green. The man was gone. Jason Derulo was quickly silenced. And the jumbled "conversation" rattled joyously in my mind. Somehow this stranger (possibly Jesus, an angel, a man on a queer witnessing mission, a man just released from an asylum, or a figment of my imagination) knew the question I regularly contemplate and discuss. Granted, it is probably assumed that this question is asked by probably every college student. But by a strange chance he echoed a couple of beloved voices that have recently spoken into my life with words like "Love God with all of your being and do what you want. Your desires will be His and His will be yours" and "Ask not simply what the world needs but also what makes you come alive, and go do it."
Something about this encounter at the stop light shook my world a little bit. I've had time recently to think about my current top two choices for a college major: one option is secondary education with an English focus and the other is some sort of shebang of a major that combines exercise science/nutritionist/yoga instructor certification (there would then be further certifications I could obtain in the exercise science and nutrition fields). I have heard no profound direction from heaven as to which path to take so I continue to ponder and pray.
But this man made it sound so simple. Love God. Do what I love. Hearing these words in the specific context of yoga made it exceptionally exciting. It raised all sorts of possibilities. What a thrilling prospect to consider joining my love for God with my desire to improve not only my life but others' as well with the benefits of yoga. The fact that the man went a step further in saying not to keep this skill here but to take it with me wherever I go sends shivers along my wander lusting skin. How perfect to take both Jesus and yoga on traveling adventures.
I am uncertain how to process the unexpected words said by this unforeseen man. I feel almost silly for considering his words so seriously and allowing myself to become this awakened by them. I do not understand the meaning behind this chance encounter. But this I do know - God is so kind. He was acquainted with my tired and questioning heart and knew the encouragement I needed. He hears my daily question of "What would you have me do?" and cared enough to remind me not to drown my own dreams and desires. Tonight reminded me that it is okay (heck, it is good!) to dream something with an element of unknown, that requires one to walk courageously and imagine wild possibilities. It also reminded me that following God, the author of dreams, involves unexpected risk. Though I do not generally advise the risk of rolling down the window to converse with men on a rainy night.
I end with the words of T. E. Lawrence:
"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."
Monday, January 6, 2014
New Adventures
"God is not only a God of the unexpected call, but also the unexpected fulfillment. When God gives the unexpected call do not run from it or ignore it. With the challenge comes fulfillment. Answer the unexpected call. Embrace the unexpected challenge. Rejoice in the unexpected fulfillment." (The words of a wise chapel speaker at Toccoa Falls College.)
One week from today I begin a new and unexpected adventure. I call it unexpected because had someone told me six months ago where I would be today I most certainly would not have believed them. Six months ago I had a stable plan for my life, though I was not overly excited about it (and we all know they saying about "the best laid plans often go astray"). I planned to move to school in Georgia for four years, get a solid education and achieve a degree, and find someone with whom to spend the remainder of my years. We would then live happily ever after traveling the world, drinking coffee, wearing TOMS, and reading inspiring books.
My four year stay in Georgia, however, turned into a four month stay that taught me more than I ever imagined. It taught me how to open my heart and my arms to those around me in order to establish a deep level of community. I learned that, though not always comfortable, in order to form such deep relationships certain levels of vulnerability and accountability are required. I know this will serve me well in my future as I continue to seek to create and grow relationships.
I had a glorified view of attending a private school and moving away from home, but an enhanced outlook is rarely realistic and things are not always as one imagines.
I determined how to make decisions (both serious and trivial) for myself which, as an indecisive person, can prove to be a very challenging task. While seeking to make the decision on my own to transfer to a school closer to home, I learned to seek God in a way that I had not done in the past yet confidently move forward.
A few months before leaving for Georgia when an attractive and Christ-loving Coast Guardsmen caught my eye in church, I told myself (and almost everyone around me) that anything more than being acquaintences would be impossible due to our age difference and varying life experience. I quickly realized in Georgia as this relationship blossomed that the word "impossible" needed to be eliminated from my vocabulary. Many months later, this Coastie has completely stolen my heart and I would have it no other way. (This also goes to show, "Never say never.")
I learned that God can use even my areas of glaring weaknesses for his glory.
I expected to learn great things in Georgia, but the greatest lessons were those that were unexpected. This, too, goes for adventures. I expected the adventures involved with moving but the ones that will stay in my heart and continue to bring joy are the ones that I did not see coming and took me by surprise. This is why I look forward to my new adventure starting one week from today. Though I expect it in general terms, I know that chances are I am not yet aware of the grand ones that will catch me off guard and be the most memorable. Many adventures will sneak up on me, some might shake my world a little bit, and some might make me feel overwhelmed, but those will be the ones to leave the greatest and lasting mark. They will be the ones to etch lessons in my heart, to strengthen me, to help me grow, and help me to see life from a new perspective.
I believe God not only gives the unexpected call but also beckons the brave on unexpected adventures. The One who calls on the adventures is faithful and offers unexpected fulfillment for those with hearts willing to accept the challenge.
Here's to Adventures!
One week from today I begin a new and unexpected adventure. I call it unexpected because had someone told me six months ago where I would be today I most certainly would not have believed them. Six months ago I had a stable plan for my life, though I was not overly excited about it (and we all know they saying about "the best laid plans often go astray"). I planned to move to school in Georgia for four years, get a solid education and achieve a degree, and find someone with whom to spend the remainder of my years. We would then live happily ever after traveling the world, drinking coffee, wearing TOMS, and reading inspiring books.
My four year stay in Georgia, however, turned into a four month stay that taught me more than I ever imagined. It taught me how to open my heart and my arms to those around me in order to establish a deep level of community. I learned that, though not always comfortable, in order to form such deep relationships certain levels of vulnerability and accountability are required. I know this will serve me well in my future as I continue to seek to create and grow relationships.
I had a glorified view of attending a private school and moving away from home, but an enhanced outlook is rarely realistic and things are not always as one imagines.
I determined how to make decisions (both serious and trivial) for myself which, as an indecisive person, can prove to be a very challenging task. While seeking to make the decision on my own to transfer to a school closer to home, I learned to seek God in a way that I had not done in the past yet confidently move forward.
A few months before leaving for Georgia when an attractive and Christ-loving Coast Guardsmen caught my eye in church, I told myself (and almost everyone around me) that anything more than being acquaintences would be impossible due to our age difference and varying life experience. I quickly realized in Georgia as this relationship blossomed that the word "impossible" needed to be eliminated from my vocabulary. Many months later, this Coastie has completely stolen my heart and I would have it no other way. (This also goes to show, "Never say never.")
I learned that God can use even my areas of glaring weaknesses for his glory.
I expected to learn great things in Georgia, but the greatest lessons were those that were unexpected. This, too, goes for adventures. I expected the adventures involved with moving but the ones that will stay in my heart and continue to bring joy are the ones that I did not see coming and took me by surprise. This is why I look forward to my new adventure starting one week from today. Though I expect it in general terms, I know that chances are I am not yet aware of the grand ones that will catch me off guard and be the most memorable. Many adventures will sneak up on me, some might shake my world a little bit, and some might make me feel overwhelmed, but those will be the ones to leave the greatest and lasting mark. They will be the ones to etch lessons in my heart, to strengthen me, to help me grow, and help me to see life from a new perspective.
I believe God not only gives the unexpected call but also beckons the brave on unexpected adventures. The One who calls on the adventures is faithful and offers unexpected fulfillment for those with hearts willing to accept the challenge.
Here's to Adventures!
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