Kirstin’s Korner: Move Joyfully

What comes to mind when you hear the word joy? One of the first thoughts that pops into my head is a carefree child running through a field, jumping in puddles or climbing a tree. A big smile on their face, they are relishing the moment, pure and simple. They aren’t concerned about running faster or farther than the day before and aren’t conscious of how they appear to someone looking on. They are taking utmost pleasure in the chance to move through the beauty of creation.

This image fits well with my understanding of the word “joy” – happiness and contentment that transcends circumstances. As followers of Jesus, we always have reason for joy. The apostle Peter describes this beautifully:

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

When we have this big picture joy, it naturally trickles down into the most seemingly mundane moments of our lives. But for athletes pursuing excellence, joy can be tricky to cultivate amidst the daily grind of training. Though our experiences differ, here are some themes I have seen and experienced in sport:

• As high-performing people, we set our sights on big goals, and chase after them with all we have. This means early morning practices, putting in the work when we don’t feel like it, enduring pain, and grinding out rep after rep with our eyes on the prize.
• When we don’t achieve our goals, or when we do and are left to seek the elusive “next big thing,” we feel empty. If we are not on our way to something greater than before, it’s hard to take pleasure in the process.
• Eventually our competitive days are behind us, and our approach to exercise changes. We might see it as something we have to do to stay physically healthy or look a certain way, rather than something we get to do and have fun with.  

The pursuit of athletic excellence is not a bad thing. God desires each of us to develop the talents He’s given us for His glory! And certainly, exercise is key to maintaining physical health throughout our lifespan. But our purpose can easily get lost amidst the daily grind, and consequently steal our joy. When the thought of going out and training or exercising every day brings about dread, or the only thing we look forward to is the end of a workout, something is off. Here are a few practical steps we can take to move joyfully, no matter what stage of life and sport we’re in:  

• Focus on gratitude – A lifelong runner who has suffered many injuries, I’m often tempted to focus on what I can’t do anymore and be sad or bitter about it. But my heart is so much lighter when I recognize all I still can do and rejoice in it. No matter how much I might wish my body looked different or was capable of more, it truly is amazing that my heart pumps blood and my muscles contract and my eyes can behold the surroundings my Creator made, whether I am winning races or strolling through town. Make a list of all the things you’re grateful your body can do and reference it often!
• Make it fun – Enjoyable habits stick best! Exercise becomes so much more fun and sustainable when we chose activities we truly love. If you’re in a rut, think outside the box and try something completely new, like ice skating or rock climbing.
• Connect with others – Exercise is a great opportunity for fellowship. The minutes pass by effortlessly when catching up with friends, and it’s a surefire strategy for crowding out negative thoughts that might come up while moving solo.
• Pray and worship – When you do go it alone, invite God into it. There are so many ways to do this! Thank Him for the opportunity to exercise, and take advantage of distraction-free time to talk with Him. I once heard a great idea for interval workouts, such as running repeats on a track – dedicate each repeat as a prayer for one specific person, making it an effort motivated by love. If you like music, put on your favorite worship playlist! God is pleased when we worship Him, the Giver, as we delight in the gift.

May your sweat be a joyful celebration of the gift of movement, as you run this race of life with endurance! 

Kirstin Sandreuter  is an Area Rep in Cumberland Co, Maine. Kirstin participated in cross-country and track in her years at Cornell University and while in high school. She graduated from Cornell with a degree in Nutritional Sciences and Dietics. Have a question for Kirstin? Email her at:  ksandreuter@fca.org .

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