It Starts With a Decision

I’m an Olympic junkie.  I can’t seem to get enough of the Olympics.  Even the ads that lead up to the Olympics were incredible.  I am constantly amazed at the level of athleticism of the Olympians.  In my opinion, the common characteristic of these athletes is endurance. 

Endurance is defined by the Encarta Dictionary as the survival or persistence of something despite the ravages of time; to last or survive over a period of time, especially when faced with difficulties.  The rigorous training; the personal sacrifice; all they must endure is, to me, phenomenal.  The challenges they face leading up to the Olympics requires endurance – to last or survive when faced with difficulties. 

In chatting with my sister-in-law, Kristi, an exercise physiologist, I learned that endurance begins with a decision; a goal.  It is then developed in small increments of increase which, in turn, develops the muscles required to complete the challenge; to win the gold. 

Endurance.   I believe it is the key to a gold medal in the Olympics. It is the key to life.   It is the key to a successful journey of recovery.  It is the key to love.  

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,

and endures through every circumstance.

 1 Cor. 13.7 NLT.   

“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust,

no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything.”

Phillips paraphrase

                                                                                                                                 

For human love to endure through every circumstance, we need to develop our heart muscle.

As a tricotomist, I believe we are composed of three different entities: body, soul, and spirit (1Thessolonians 5.23).  When the Bible speaks of the heart, it is referring to the place within our beings where these three are united in balance and harmony. 

I’d like to suggest a “heart healthy” exercise program to build enduring love.   Enduring love is built by first having the desire and implementing this exercise program in increments thereby producing endurance! 

Refresh the body. When you’re tired, little things become big things!  Many of you are just too tired to love your spouse, kids, neighbor.  Your “heart” muscle needs to rest and be refreshed.

1.        Rest – You have six days each week for your ordinary work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. (Ex. 20.9-11) 

(At the meeting, I told a funny story about a bowling pin and a running shoe!)

2.       Balanced diet – for some that means a Big Mac in each hand.  That’s not what I mean.

3.       Regular exercise. Exercising increases energy.

Recharge the Soul. 

1.        Solitude – Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. (Mark 6.31 NLT)

I read this quote on-line:  If you’re burning the candle at both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are! 

2.        Recreation.  “re-create”  What energizes you? 

3.       Laughter.  Lots of studies indicate the health benefits of laughter.

Renew the spirit. 

1.        Daily Quiet Time.  Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. (1Tim.4.7 Msg).

2.       Small group.  Place you can share struggles and victories.  Heb.10.24/25.  Trust and meaningful relations don’t happen in a couple of meetings.  Call/email/sit together at church/go to coffee/lunch. 

3.       Worship.  Throw in a good CD or tune in KLOVE or AirOne.  And don’t just listen; “make a joyful noise” !!  Pigs make a joyful noise when they’re eating so you don’t have to sing good to “make a joyful noise.” 

This is so important because your relationship with God determines the quality of your relationship with others.  Jesus told us to “love God and others”

God’s love for you is described in the 1 Corinthians 13.4-7.

Pass it on to others….