Character

Character: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual

The character of a person isn’t just what people see but what is kept secret. This reminds me of today’s workout. It was brutal as most of the workouts are because Coach Aaron is a CrossFit genius. I think he’s secretly training us for a competition we don’t even know about.

This workout involved farmer’s carry with a 35 pound kettlebell and 35 pound dumbbell around a whole building, some shoulder to overhead presses and bicep curls that increased in weight. Every round was a farmer’s carry! I was the last one out there and of course I was amazed at how fast people can move a bar. On the last two rounds outside around the building, it was just me and the weights and there was a moment when my brain said, “No one would know if you take the smaller weights. Go ahead.” That felt like Eve with the serpent moment and I realized that my decision might not be known to others but I know. What character did I want to showcase was grit.

Romans 5: 3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Personally, I have suffered. Someone would do something that feels so unjust and I’m praying God change them yet He has me change.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

If there’s anything that doesn’t match God’s character, it’s like a gardener with the pruning tools cutting out all the things that are getting in the way of what my character should contain. My thoughts are currently being retrained to receive peace by giving God my future and focusing on what He has me do for the day. My character is being tested so my response to my children and students are gentle. I had to apologize to a student today! Like Coach Aaron, I’m pretty sure God is training me for a competition of my own.

What kind of character are you displaying in secret?