Several months ago I joined a large gym close to my home. It’s a mega gym. I mean, if you can think of an exercise platform, they have it. From Aquatics to Zumba, they have what you are looking for. My experience there has been remarkable. From the time I signed up for a tour on line, to my first “walk-through”, I have been nothing less than impressed. The staff is friendly and professional, and you realize after a few minutes with any member of the team, that they love working there. And it shows, I noticed there were no “out of shape” trainers or staff personnel…more on that later. Anyway, I was sold, I signed up for all the bells and whistles. I got two sessions of personal training, a hair cut, a free protein drink from the cafe, a “health score”, and the latest heart rate monitor!
I couldn’t wait to get started on my new training regiment. I was excited to go, as well as tell as many people about my gym as I could. Besides being excited and determined, I was faithful! I went every day for months, just taking Sundays off to rest. I was following the training plan, eating right, drinking the funky tasting drinks, and taking my vitamins.
Christmas came and we went to Indiana for 10 days. I was in full swing of training, and I didn’t want to miss a beat, so I went to a local gym and signed up for a 7 day trial period. The first night there I felt like I was back in High School. After waiting five minutes for a young girl to come and take my pass, [she was busy flirting with the local gym rat] I realized that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore, and in this case, Kansas was a lot better. I made my way back to the ill-fitted locker room, where a fungal science convention could have been held in the showers, and changed into my work out gear.
I love to spin, that is, riding a stationary bike to warm up,and then do my routine; chest, arms, back etc. I had trouble finding a bike that actually worked and when I did find one, it was so torn up that I eventually got off of it and just ran on the treadmill.
Needless to say, it was not a good experience at all, not for me anyway. I realized that this was a lot like the kingdom. God has given us all that we need and want, more than enough actually. He said “eat freely” just stay away from that one gym…er..uh..tree. This was a lot like my experience. My gym is the “eat freely” gym. It’s more than enough, they have stuff there that I’m not even sure how it works, but it’s there if you want it. I thought that just by going to a local gym, paying for a trial membership, I could experience the same thing. Nope.
How many times do we settle for the cheap imitation for whatever reason, and lose out on the Best Life? God has everything we want and need, and yet we Cheat on our Gyms for a lesser, cheaper imitation. I was unfaithful, and to tell you the truth, I only went back to the other gym for a couple of days, breaking my awesome routine, and losing momentum in my effort to get my temple in shape.
Here’s the good news. When I came back home, my gym was waiting for me. No one was mad, upset, or jealous that I had gone away. The trainers and staff all greeted me as if it were my first day; the lady behind the counter welcomed me back by name; and the equipment was just as I had left it, in perfect working order.
I have been unfaithful to God more times than I can count. And yet, all it takes is for me to return to the Best Life is open the door, and walk back into my father’s house. There He knows me by name, He has everything I need and want to make my life the best, and He never accuses me of cheating on Him, NEVER. He never makes me feel guilty. And, yes, He always has everything in working order, just like I left it.
How do we treat those that have walked away and tried a cheap imitation of the real thing? Do we still care for them? Do we still think highly of them? Or do we make them feel guilty and ashamed? Hopefully it’s the former…
Welcome back Lonny, have a great workout! Thanks, I think I will.
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