We’ve been friends since sophomore year of college. This
friend has pushed me, made me stronger and even hurt me at times. I’ve suffered injury to be together, I’ve
abandoned this friend for years at a stretch.
Yesterday, however, this friend taught me a lesson when I least expected
it: a very profound lesson.
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My old friend is the Concept 2 rower in all its various
shapes over the last 20+ years. I found
it again yesterday morning at the gym. I
was too late for a class but still wanted to get a good workout. I warmed up on a treadmill then meandered
through the weight machines and free weights. There it was! At a window looking out onto a winter landscape
of bare trees through full height windows.
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I sat down, selected my distance and started the familiar
push, pull and return. The hypnotic sound of the fan and chain allowed me to
focus on imaginary waters still as glass but for the ripples from my strokes.
I thought about how in a regatta you always see where you
have been but not where you are going.
The start fades from view and the finish is not in sight until it has
been passed. So many images and sounds
rushed to mind.
We often row through this life with others, as a
team. When oars are in sync the power is
exponential. Oars would hit, the boat would be less stable, and progress would
be hindered if one were to stop rowing. Thankfully, there is the coxswain to
call out encouragement and mind the cadence.
There has been coaching and training before all of this. Likely within each rower is a competitive
drive and ambition to reach the goal. These all work together for success.
Much training happens alone on a rowing machine not going
anywhere. Studying the numbers on a small
screen becomes the only indication that any development has taken place. The strength we develop in our bodies is
nearly imperceptible until it is put to the test.
It seems entirely appropriate to me that I look back
today. There are past challenges I’ve
completed. There has been a lot of time spent not going anywhere, but getting
stronger all the while. There have been
seasons when all training and discipline was all but ignored. There has been
triumph, celebration, defeat, pain, exhaustion and rest.
This life of faith has been the same. I’ve had the pleasure of serving and growing
with many amazing people. If you are
reading this, the odds are high that you are one of those teammates! Thank you all for pushing me, setting the bar
high, and helping me up when I’ve fallen short.
Tomorrow I celebrate the start of another year of an
incredibly blessed life. I can’t imagine
why I been so favored other than the simple fact that I am the daughter of the
One High King who is able to do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or
imagine possible. Is anything too
difficult for Him? Can I get a resounding” NO!”?
Is there a better gift I could ask for? I think not!
THAT machine looks very scary to a newbie like me! I will think of you this week when I join the local "Y" and begin my year long adventure of losing 75...now 68 :0)...pounds.
ReplyDeleteAll of life's challenges and blessings intermingle. I appreciate how you have interwoven that concept!
I highly recommend the rower, especially if you are just starting out. It is so easy to use. Just make sure your t-shirt is tucked in and can't get caught under the seat as it glides backwards. Don't ask me how I know this is important. Let's just say they put a sign up in the little fitness center I used in college afterward. :) I'm also a "two thumbs up for Zumba" gal. It's amazing fun and truly no one is watching you. If it's not fun, you won't do it very often. I'm excited to hear about your progress. Way to go on those first 7!
DeleteSuch a great post, my friend! Thank YOU for being a gift to all who know you. Hope your birthday is celebrated with MUCH joy!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you! My friends truly are the gifts I take with me everywhere. Wish we could celebrate together!
DeleteHappy Birthday, Amy! Thanks for a peek at what it is like to row...I'm guessing you rowed in college, maybe? I'm grateful I am getting to know you better via our blogs...Praying you feel celebrated and special :)
ReplyDeleteI wish! I went to a meeting for club crew at UT, but they met at 5:30AM. That was a no go for this grad student. One of my dreams is to actually row or be able to kayak on a regular basis. Thank you for the wishes. I'm grateful for your blog and getting to know you better, too.
DeleteWhat a great reflection! And, happy birthday my sweet friend. I pray for an abundance of grace and favor and blessings that you've never dreamed of. May your worship go deeper this year! Sending you great big hugs and lots of love!
ReplyDeleteNot going anywhere but getting stronger--LOVE THIS! Happy Birthday Amy and thank you for writing this. Be blessed:)
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