Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Spinning through life

So yesterday I decided to try a spin class at the gym. I've been working out consistently for two years now and I've been riding a bike since, oh, I don't know...age five. So how hard could it be right? Um...yeah.

The girl next to me, who I'm pretty sure has never given birth, probably rode to the top of Mt. Everest and back while sitting on that tiny seat. Me? Suffice it to say that within the first 10 minutes of class I began writing my eulogy, imagining what might be said at my impending funeral - but I kept peddling. Let me tell you, I wanted to quit so badly I could hardly stand it. I envisioned myself getting off the bike and walking out of the room at least ten times, but I stuck with it. I didn't give up. As the final seconds of the final song ticked down, I was so relieved. Relieved I was still breathing and relieved I hadn't given up. I hadn't quit when the spinning got tough.

I thought about how much that spin class is like life. There are some smooth, easy parts where you can coast a bit and catch your breath. Those are nice. There are some uphill climbs you think will never end. Those teach you perseverance. Then there are some parts so grueling you just feel like giving up. Those are the ones that make us who we are.

So why do we keep going? Why do we continue on in the face of such adversity?

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness that the LORD, the righteous judge, will give me on that great day of his return. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

That's why we do it. That's why we fight on when we feel like giving up and throwing in the towel - we do it for the eternal crown that awaits us at the end of it all. While I love the feeling of accomplishment I get from hanging in there when I want to hop off the bike, the feeling of knowing I'm fighting the good fight is worth far more.

Fighting the good fight - yeah, I'm up for that. Another spin class? Mmmm...not so sure.

2 comments:

  1. Love it! I fight the first 10 - 15 minutes every time I get on the bike. Mind you, I'm not spinning, I'm just riding on my stationary bike. I try to go a little harder and faster each time, but it's so hard and my head feels like it's assaulted with "give-up" thoughts. I think that's the way it is with anything worth doing. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Sheri

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  2. I hate to admit it since I do think it's bad, but I am not much of an exerciser. But I love the analogy. I just sent you a blog award. I have so enjoyed getting to know you. Lisa~

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