Yep. That's what it said. Now, I've mentioned before that I am usually non-observant unless there is something I am wanting to see. And today I saw something that I know has been there for awhile... but I just noticed it and it soaked in. I went to the gym this morning for my 5:30AM training session. As I was about 5 minutes early I kind of looked around and I saw this painted on the wall in very large letters....
EFFORT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Wow. That hit home. I thought about it as I waited for my time to start, and it is exactly right. But it isn't just in exercise, although that is the purpose of it being on the wall. I can go to the gym every day and do nothing. Or I can go every day and just put in minimal effort. Or I can go 2-3 times a week and work my butt off (hopefully literally). Whatever effort I put in to working out - is my responsibility.
But that comment can also apply with life, don't you think? We want to read a book a week.... we have to apply the effort to pick up the book and read a little each day in order to complete it within the timeframe we want (or sit down and read all the way through - I like those times when I can do that!). We say we want to eat right and get healthy.... but do we put in the effort to do it? (Ok, confession, here. sigh. I finished off the pint of southern butter pecan ice cream yesterday. And yes, I snuck it in to my 'office' where I could enjoy it without hubby commenting. But, it took me 3 days to get through the pint; so give me some grace, ok?).
Whatever we do takes an effort of some sort. If you really want to focus on something; no one else can really do it for you; not even your mother, or your dad, or your spouse, or your child. It is your responsibility to work; to play; to enjoy life to the fullest.
Colossians 3:17 (NKJV): "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Whatever we do - whether it is working out - with effort - so that the time spent in the gym or exercising at home isn't wasted.... or sitting with the family at a meal.... or working at a job.... give it your all, for whatever we do, we are doing it for Jesus. You may think not, especially if you aren't following Him, but whatever we do.... is a reflection of who we are in Him. Personally, I want to 'look good' if I'm a representation of Jesus! So I will put in effort when I go to the gym. And the rubber legs I have this morning that will turn to pain by this evening... will be well worth it all when I see results.
Hallelujah!
Decided to call the dermatologist this morning. I had been thinking my medical doctor all week - about my left arm being swollen and pink on the inside of the arm - but this morning I realized I probably ought to see what my dermatologist says. Will try to get in to see him soon. My arm tends to ache frequently and the muscle still feels stretched in just the left arm... I can move it... but, it won't hurt to see what is going on with it. That's on my 'to do' list for today.
And with that - I'm hushing for today. Don't forget to put effort in all you do. Afterall, what you do and say isn't only a reflection of who Jesus is in you, it is a reflection of what you think of yourself. Do you have value? Do you want to make your family proud? Do you want your children to rise up and call you blessed? Put forth the effort in all you do - or it isn't worth doing.
Blessings!
