James 1: 2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
This weekend I got to talk with the owner of Legion of Power CrossFit and found out that his motivation for CrossFit is to let out steam, frustration, anger, the extra emotions that are sometimes there... I do CrossFit for a totally different reason. CrossFit reminds me that though I might seem timid and harmless, I'm strong, determined, can do and go through far more than I realize and it's empowering.
CrossFit is full of moves that seem impossible to do like a muscle up, kipping pull-ups, double-unders and rope climb. Sunday, I accomplished one of the crazy maneuvers of the handstand push-ups. It's frightening because the move starts with me upside down with my body against the wall. I rest my head on a set of mats, pull my legs into my chest then with my arms and legs extend into a beautiful upside down pull-up all while the blood is rushing to my head. It's magical!
At first, I thought of that saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I've been going through a challenging season and it seemed to fit yet after performing this insane defying stunt, I recall the verse above, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials". CrossFit does that. I am placed in crazy workouts that at first glance look like I could barely make it yet I come out better, stronger, and faster.
I choose to view the struggles of life in the same way. I've been through some things that people barely make it out of with their heart intact let alone joy. Just to name a few: child abuse, young single motherhood and divorce. Giving up is not an option for me because I know that not only is my faith being testing but I'm being perfected. I am developing the grit and stamina I need for trails to come. My patience is growing and my character is being reformed into the image of Jesus (that is what I pray). I might fail, fall on my head or collapse but I will continue to find the wins in every situation, grow and become the person I was meant to be. I might not be the person I want to be but I'm not the person I was.
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