It is interesting how habits that strengthen our heart, mind, and soul are the first ones we drop when life gets hard. A challenge comes or way and we drop the very things that fuel and sustain us. Healthy nutrition, quiet time with the Lord, exercising our body, and allowing our mind to rest. When life gets complicated and our normal gets rocked we drop the things good for us and pick up habits that comfort in the chaos. I have been relying on my own motivation to keep active and maintain healthy nutrition. Honestly, I have failed miserably. I miss the energy of a group workout and an encouraging coach pushing me to exceed my own limitations. I miss the music pounding, the people to the left and right of me not giving up and reminding me why I am there. I miss celebrating with community as goals are accomplished and lives are strengthened (heart, mind, and soul). As I was lamenting of all the things I miss about my group workout I was reminded that I have been relying on my own motivation and strength.
The Lord reminds us when we are weak, he is strong. How many of us need to be reminded of that today? As we move into a new season we are reminded that things still look different as we social distance and do our part to prevent spreading anything that could compromise a life. I think of all the churches that will remain closed on one of the Holiest days of the year and my heart breaks. I think of families that will not be able to travel and be with loved ones and my heart breaks. It think of all the things that look different and it impacts my motivation and strength. And then I remember these words spoken from the Lord to Paul:
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 2:9-10
Life is about overcoming! When we allow the Lord to be our motivator and strength we begin the journey of growing stronger (heart, mind, soul and strength). May this be a season of growing and learning what it means to rely on the Lord and trust in His timing that all things will be made new. We have one life, may we live it well; heart, mind, soul and strength!