If I get to the gym late (around 10:00) I get to quietly observe the interactions of an old woman. I don't know her age or her name but she knows just about everyone that exercises on a regular basis. She talks to anyone that is within 5ft of her and always manages to get the conversation turned towards God. She is a true evangelist. Her humility and quiet kindness make everyone want to talk to her and get to know her. The few times that I have talked to her I have gone away encouraged. I can't remember which church she goes to in AG but I know that she listens to Pastor Tim on the inter net.
I, however, go to the gym for 2 reasons: 1.) to de-stress, relax, sweat and possibly burn a few calories in the process and 2.) to have 60-75 min. break from my children. I usually keep to myself and avoid all kinds of interaction by having a book or magazine in hand (Anyone who ever read "The Accidental Tourist" understands the protection a book brings). The Gym is all about "me time".
But right now I am at a point in my life where God is causing me look around and see where I can do more for him. Self indulgence is so hard to give up but I have an ache in my soul to see more people come to him and if all it costs me is a conversation how can I refuse?
Maybe I should start with some deodorant ....
2 comments:
Jacquelyn,
Thank you so much for your challenge to be less self-focused. I enjoy reading your blog on a daily basis and keeping up with your family. I miss reading your poems. I found some of your poems the other day when I was going through some old letter from our college days! I hope you are doing well. I miss you all!
Thanks Erica, hey, could you email me your new address?
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