jesus and jillian...

I'm sure someone will decide it's sacrilegious to pair Jesus and Jillian Michaels in the same sentence, let alone compare them, but I have a point. 

I've been working out "with" Jillian Michaels six days a week for the past four and a half weeks. I'm sure it marks the longest period of time I have exercised consistently since my college soccer career ended November 7, 2003. I have the worst self-discipline ever (at least when it comes to working out... and french fries) so the fact I've been able to keep this up is miraculous. The time commitment is minimal. I think I've trimmed it down to 30 minutes including changing, warm-up, workout and cool-down... perfect for my schedule and quite possibly the only way I will be able to include a workout in my life as long as I'm maintaining this job. My neighbors could probably attest I look absolutely ridiculous doing it. I can't do it all well and I look like a sweaty pig to say the least. I'm always super annoyed at Jillian's empty compliments and desperately wishing she would make it stop as soon as I start. It isn't fun. I don't enjoy myself and every day I start the dvd, I wonder why in the world I hit play. However... when it's over... and I've picked myself up off the floor and rehydrated... I am grateful and relieved. I am proud of myself for sticking to my goal... I feel better about my strength and fitness... I feel less like a hypocrite teaching fitness and wellness... there are so many things that make the pain and torture worth it.

Jesus is not painful and torturous. I don't want to ever say Jillian is like Jesus because I know they are so far estranged, I can't begin to compare them. At the same time, I know following Jesus' plan for my life is not always easy. Waking up earlier or going to bed later in order to spend time with Him are not always a delight. Making decisions in my life that aren't always the most popular or the easiest but would align my life with His are not always a blast. However... I know God is blessing me through my relationship with Him. I know my faith is making a difference not only in my life, but the people around me and I'm going to hold onto the truth... there are so many things that make the tough decisions and the uneasiness worth it.