I listened to my trainer describe a new exercise movement. His question was a simple invitation.
“Get it?”
“In my head yes. Being able to do it; not a chance.”
The now silent words took on new meaning as he demonstrated the movement with slow intent. Not just once, but correctly, incorrectly, and then again correctly with a comfortable description of what I should look to do and feel if I was executing the movement correctly.
“Get it?”
I simply looked and smile. While the quality of the first part of my answer had gotten better, the real answer had not changed. I could see it. It felt like I could feel it. Yet I knew I was going to struggle with doing the stuff.
“I want to give this a shot.”
My first attempt was almost on the mark; at least that is what I told myself during the process. Looking back, his comment in response was accurate.
“You are taking the easy way out. Instead of following the steps, you are trying to take a short cut. I know it feels better, but you are missing the point. Try the first three steps in sequence, not combined.”
As he demonstrated the movement again, I found myself following his lead into the unknown. I could not imagine how it would work. With my assessment of my abilities, I did not think it was possible. To my surprise, it worked, at least once or twice. The exhaustion expressed by my weak core was testing me. As I leaked, sweat dripping, I pushed on beyond my limits.
The reflection as I gently stretched my aching muscles in the steam room later took me to words I have heard before. “All believers, come here and listen, let me tell you what God did for me.” (Psalm 66.16) I know there are times when the stories that followed made little sense. I often see myself outside of the stories. It may be time to walk in the stories and experience what might be. Yesterday reminded me it is possible.
