I'm blogging at www.melaniedorsey.com . Please join me there.

Jan 28, 2011

Jab & Hook


Yesterday I did something I have never done before. I “jabbed,” “hooked,” and “undercut” and was dripping sweat an hour later. Maybe you have already guessed I went to a kick boxing class.
I shuffled left and jabbed. I shuffled right, jabbed and kicked. I kicked to the side. I kicked to the front. I watched the clock. And I watched something else.

From my vantage point I could see most of the class reflected in the mirror that lined the front wall. And I noticed something. Some in the group could not keep up without taking short breaks or modifying some of the steps. Some of them were older than I, but some were much younger!

I considered the reason I was able to endure the intensity of the hour’s cardio and strength training. I concluded it was due to the running routine I started last spring. I have trained myself toward endurance and it is paying off!

As our teacher, Victoria, instructed us in the workout for our arms, I mimicked her example and for the first minute it was easy. But after five minutes, my arm felt like it would fall off! And then sweet relief, we switched to the left arm.

As I punched an imaginary speed ball, this scripture in James came to mind,
 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow”
(James 1:3). All of those months of running had been a test of sorts. I had begun to run because I needed to strengthen myself emotionally and physically. As I continued, I found my faith being renewed with each mile I logged. The Enemy may have thought I was down for the count, and while I may have been down for a while, I was never out!
My faith has been tested and my endurance has grown. And I’m on my way to a mean right hook!

 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” James 1:2-4.

8 comments:

  1. You go girl, loving you, and praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You know Melanie, That verse from James is mylife verse! It's what inspired my blog (http://www.consideringitalljoy.com) and what I have lived by. Yet, I read it now and am paralyzed by it. I have been unable to function except at work. I walk around the house in a daise and cannot focus on one single thought. I lay on the sofa all day knowing I have so much to accomplish, but cannot seems to find a way to get up. I come to my computer a few times a day to read and seek inspiration: I fall short! How have you done it? How have you moved forward and inspired so many? I feel like a slug! I want to cover my head and just go to sleep! I'm so lonely for my life partner, the man I was married to for nearly 30 years! I admire you Melanie, I really do!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love this! I am so proud of you! My arm truly would have fallen off! No upper body strength at all. I am encouraged by this and will see what I can do! Love you!!
    Hugs!
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are so awesome! Life has been crazy and I am so far behind in visiting but I need to come by more often and be inspired! The winter is really messing with my workout schedule. From looking around here it seems like your January has been phenomenal. Just do it, right?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Melanie,
    I am having video issues. Tried to watch one from you last week. Love the 1, 2 , 3 punch about your faith. I am trying to walk correctly in the natural and spiritual. I had a ski accident in Dec. I have kept quiet about it on the blog. Doing PT now to straighten my leg. Hopefully by spring things will be much better. I pray God continues to use your life in a mighty way to shine His light. Blessings, B

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very nice post! I am a regualr in a cardio kickboxing class, but will see the "exercises" from a different perspective now. Thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Miss you! Hope you blog again soon. Hope you are doing good.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes, a mean right hook. A knock out...The enemy down once and for all. Keep fighting. I believe in you.

    ReplyDelete