“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7 NJKV)
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV)
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose fopr you].” (Romans 12:1-2 AMP)
About 5 years ago I got a membership to a fitness club. I had never been to a club before so I was new to everything. Within this exciting new world I found some interesting groups of people, including many who were “newbies” like me. We didn’t have a clue what we were doing. I was so out of shape, and so ignorant on how to use the equipment, that my first few days there were filled with frustration and embarrassment. I wanted to believe that I could transform my body into a body like many of those around me, yet all I could see in myself was a fumbling, fat, uncoordinated bumbler who would never be able to succeed.
On the first day I tried a few pieces of equipment which I quickly realized were beyond my current capability. As I was struggling I looked over and saw a woman who must have been much older than me (I was 57, later I found out she was 93) on what I later was told is called an elliptical. She was making it look smooth and easy to do. I thought to myself, “the heck with strength training, I can do what she is doing.” With a momentary glimmer of hope I walked over to where she was gliding along, stepped onto the equipment, and within 2 minutes stepped back off huffing and puffing will little to no pride left. Then I saw my last, great hope – the treadmills. I thought to myself, “Even I can walk.” I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and made my way on to an open treadmill. I made it a whole 5 minutes before I had to get off or suffer what felt to be a major cardio meltdown. I had attempted and failed just about everything the club had to offer, and the worst thing of all, the “kick ’em when their down” moment, was when I looked at the clock and saw that I had only been there for about 30 minutes. Now I knew that what I saw inside and outside matched. I was a loser!
This day was a turning point for me. I was at a point in which I knew I had to make a major decision. I will talk about that tomorrow. Until then I am going to remember…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 301: Built-In Expectations: The Power of the Sub-Conscious Mind – Part 1