Training, of any kind, always takes some work, whether it’s eating more healthy, investing more wisely or getting a spiritual tune up.
I recently began riding my bike to my office. After the first trip I was completely certain that this was a bad idea. Not because of the traffic, or the weather; it was the hills. By the time I made it up the last hill I was falling apart, my breakfast was churning and my lungs were burning. I slowly coasted into the parking lot, trying to regain a normal breathing pattern to cover up my embarrassment. I felt horrible. Honestly, if I hadn’t already invested in the bike, lights, fenders, clothes and bag, that might have been my last ride.
I made it home that night, enjoyed a day off and then headed out a day later. What I’ve discovered is that training takes a lot of work, but if you stick with it your body begins to make adjustments. I know the hills are the same, but they don’t take as long and they don’t feel as steep. I’m starting to get used to them, sort of. I can tell my breathing is more controlled and I don’t have to stay in the easiest gear. I think biking in Bonney Lake is becoming a little more natural.
My spiritual journey has been very similar. In reading the Bible I’ve come across teachings of Jesus that I was completely certain were a bad idea, like “forgiving your enemies.” I wonder if Jesus would be OK with me starting out with forgiving my friends instead. The ones that leave the dirty dishes on the counter or borrow my tools without returning them. After all forgiveness is forgiveness. And in forgiving my friends, I’d learn how compassion and grace make for a much better life than bitterness and anger.
What I’ve discovered is that spiritual training takes a lot of work, but if you stick with it you’ll begin to see some growth. I still get angry or jealous, but not for as long. It’s just not worth it. Who knows, I might even be ready to forgive my enemies.
If you’re interested in doing some spiritual training we’re offering a spiritual growth seminar 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The $5 cost includes materials, lunch and childcare on Saturday.
