No One Goes Their Way Alone
I get an inspirational quote each day in my inbox from the Foundation for a Better life: http://www.values.com/ Here is today's:(I've made the language more inclusive)
The Christian life teaches us that whatever we give, we receive back one hundredfold. I have always found that to be true in my life and ministry. A kind word, a smile, an offer to share half of your sandwich, sitting with someone in the waiting room while a family member is in surgery -- all of these small acts of kindness make a difference in someone's life and and as Markham says, "comes back into our own."
Back in January, I began a new program at my gym called "Cross Fit." It promotes physical fitness through elements of weight lifting, gymnastics, and sprinting. Agility, endurance, speed and good form are also integral to the program. What is so appealing to me is that we do all of this as a group. The age range of my 6 AM companions are from their twenties to late fifties. Mostly women, we cheer each other on and encourage one another. Everyone performs at a level that is suitable to their fitness and age, though our trainers encourage us to stretch beyond our comfort zones.
"No one goes their way alone." Cross Fit is so successful for this reason. Even when we are working on individual skills, we're doing it side by side. We check in with each other at the end of our work out to see how everyone did. There is no distinction between the young incredible athletes and the rest of us -- we celebrate each one's victory, regardless of how long it may take to complete the workout of the day.
Another integral part of my success is my partner, Lisa, who always asks how my workout went and always gives me an encouraging word. Her passion for exercise is inspiring to me as she heads out to the local YMCA early each morning before work.
"All that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own." Take some time and think about it and give thanks to God for the people who take the time in small ways to give you an encouraging word or an act of kindness. Then give it back.
My father used to say that a smile doesn't cost you anything and I know that he was right. It only takes a little effort and intentionality. Just think of all the good energy and light we will be giving the world each day we live the words of Edwin Markham. Strive for excellence in whatever you do. Be the best you can be!
"There is a destiny that makes us brothers and sisters. No one goes their way alone. All that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own." ~ Edwin Markham, poet (1852-1940)
The Christian life teaches us that whatever we give, we receive back one hundredfold. I have always found that to be true in my life and ministry. A kind word, a smile, an offer to share half of your sandwich, sitting with someone in the waiting room while a family member is in surgery -- all of these small acts of kindness make a difference in someone's life and and as Markham says, "comes back into our own."
Back in January, I began a new program at my gym called "Cross Fit." It promotes physical fitness through elements of weight lifting, gymnastics, and sprinting. Agility, endurance, speed and good form are also integral to the program. What is so appealing to me is that we do all of this as a group. The age range of my 6 AM companions are from their twenties to late fifties. Mostly women, we cheer each other on and encourage one another. Everyone performs at a level that is suitable to their fitness and age, though our trainers encourage us to stretch beyond our comfort zones.
"No one goes their way alone." Cross Fit is so successful for this reason. Even when we are working on individual skills, we're doing it side by side. We check in with each other at the end of our work out to see how everyone did. There is no distinction between the young incredible athletes and the rest of us -- we celebrate each one's victory, regardless of how long it may take to complete the workout of the day.
Another integral part of my success is my partner, Lisa, who always asks how my workout went and always gives me an encouraging word. Her passion for exercise is inspiring to me as she heads out to the local YMCA early each morning before work.
"All that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own." Take some time and think about it and give thanks to God for the people who take the time in small ways to give you an encouraging word or an act of kindness. Then give it back.
My father used to say that a smile doesn't cost you anything and I know that he was right. It only takes a little effort and intentionality. Just think of all the good energy and light we will be giving the world each day we live the words of Edwin Markham. Strive for excellence in whatever you do. Be the best you can be!
posted by Miriam | 11:08 AM
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