Cross Training

Take a look around you and know that you are blessed.  Cherish your family and friends, not just on birthdays or holidays, but everyday that you have the opportunity to do so.  Sometimes we miss out on the opportunity to love, and to laugh, so on this day make an effort to do just that. Sometimes we don’t realize that time is short until we realize that we are about to run out of time.

Good day to you all!  Give something to someone that you know cannot pay you back.  Give without expectation of receiving and you will be blessed beyond measure.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

One of the most effective ways for an athlete to train is to cross train.  Cross training is the process of an athlete doing things outside of how he normally trains in order to get a complete training experience.  A runner may train with a kick boxer in order to gain more agility, and then train with basketball coach to work on speed. After going through a series of different training methods the runner finds that they are stronger and faster than they would have been if they had only concentrated on running. 

Dear Reader there is something that we can learn from these athletes.  We all have a cross to bear.  We all have something that things that we must take up and carry whether we want to or not.  I want you to know today that it is Jesus who taught us to cross train.  Jesus could have just been a healer. Jesus could have just come down from heaven to raise the dead.  Jesus could have come down to be a teacher, but Dear Reader the good news is that He came and did it all.  He taught us how to be accused and forgive at the same time.  Jesus taught us how to be a teacher and a provider at the same time.  I want to encourage you to cross train as well.  If you are good at teaching, work on praying for others.  If you are able to give you may want to work on your ability to forgive.  Once you work on these things you will find that your spiritual muscle will be able to handle the cross that you have to bear a little bit better.  You are stronger than you think Dear Reader, and you will be rewarded with the imperishable wreath of eternal life for all of your efforts. 

You are beautiful, loved, and blessed

John Reed