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It has been about six months since I had a heart attack, and as I endured a dozen or so doctor’s visits since then, I have found that even minor bumps and scrapes evoke images and scares of being larger than they are. Bruises are escalated in appearance because of blood thinners, and every little ache and pain is accompanied by a thought, even for just a moment, that there is a major health emergency that will immediately follow. Fortunately, they are just normal scrapes and muscle pulls.
I decide to take advantage of a workout assessment at the gym. As I have always been a “gym rat”, I knew that I would not be at the same level of fitness and conditioning that I was before I was sidelined. But I also came tote acceptance that my workouts prior to my incident were not at the level that I had thought they were. Towards the end of the treadmill portion of the assessment, I realized that I was doing more now than I was then! Suddenly, when I thought I was finished with the routine, under watchful eyes of the trainer, he increased the level and the pace!! Now, the end of the routine became one of endurance, more a mental challenge than a physical one. It seemed the every bone, muscle, ligament and most of my major organs were screaming out to “Stop this madness”, as I was quite sure the trainer was now trying to kill me!
But at this point, I felt that endurance kick in. I hadn’t felt that for a long time. That feeling where adrenaline kicks in during competition. Endurance is not just a physical attribute, but also a mental discipline.
- The one that keeps us going when we really feel we want to quit.
- The one that pushes past physical discomfort in search of a finish line.
- Endurance refuses to give up even when we feel our body is past it ability to finish.
The Writer of Hebrews wrote, “let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us…”
At this time of year, as we start to transition into summer mode, I find the pace actually increases on the “Work” treadmill. I hear suggestions to add programs and additions to worship with a , “What DO YOU WANT TO DO”? as we already have Mother’s Day, Confirmation Sunday, Member Recognition Sunday, Memorial Day and more on the docket. Its like the speed is ramped up on the church treadmill.
But when endurance kicks in, I realize that this is all the answer to calls from faithful people looking for worship and church experiences to offer praise and gratitude to gather and share the gifts we have been given with others. I’ll (and we) will survive, and we will be better for it.
That’s always the way, when we reach what we think is the end of our abilities, the endurance of the Spirit kicks in and refocuses us. It exhausts us for sure, but like that final lap icon beeping on the treadmill control board, when we see the end, we are lifted to finish fast and well. After all, we have they example of the greatest finisher already. Eyes up, see the finish line!
RB
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