Recently, I began instructing a senior fitness class at a community center. One participant stood out to me the most. I took it as she must have been a boss of some sort before. Since she joined the class she appeared to question every choice, every workout, and every program I had in place.
That day was just like any other day.
When I introduced a new leg-strengthening exercise using resistance bands, she confidently moved to the front of the room, and showed the group a new exercise that she felt they would need in order to strengthen their hips.
My aim was to keep the class engaging and supportive, and so we continued to move through the exercises.
While doing another strengthening exercise
she mentioned that these actions reminded her of the exercises her daughter had performed in the hospital to regain strength following her fight against multiple cancers. Her voice shook as she talked about her daughter's continuing battle.
After indicating my desire to pray for her daughter, I continued with the workout. I typically wouldn't initiate a group prayer, and in most situations I am not the one to initiate prayer. In this instance I felt a strong conviction that God was prompting me to push past my comfort zone. As we continued exercising, I found myself questioning,
"God, really now? Are you certain?
I'm not familiar with these women."
As the class wrapped up, I took a deep breath and invited everyone to join me in prayer.
The lady’s eyes filled with tears, and she thanked me with a heartfelt embrace.
From that day forward, our class has always began with a workout and ended with a prayer. The youngest among us is 77, and each lady in this class brings a wealth of wisdom.
I have realized that the greatest impact often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. The boss lady that had been the most challenging taught me that sometimes the most meaningful connections are born from the most unexpected places even if that meant a simple prayer after a workout class.
Many individuals are in need of guidance in their lives, and the answer is simple - JESUS.
Jesus is the answer to many of our challenges, and during my most recent days of sorrow in my life due to grief, I have relied on that answer to guide me through.
The bond formed in my relationship with Christ has allowed me to reflect during these difficult times. I can confidently declare, "God, I have witnessed Your help in the past, and I am certain You will do it again!"
His answers are not always the ones that we want to hear but, they are always the ones that we need to hear and abide by.
He always, always has our best interest in mind.
He is just that good!
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