Escape: Out of the Spotlight

Since I didn't blog this weekend, and I was in need of a little escape from the stresses and craziness of this world...here I am.  I cracked open my neglected "Uncommon Life: Daily Challenge" book to reflect on the entry from yesterday, June 11th.  It was titled, Out of the Spot Light.

Colossians 1: 10-11.  The way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit...You will grow as you learn to know God better and better...You will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.

First of all, I hope to remember this on Saturday during the Triathlon that Peter and I are participating in, in the Ball & Chain division to be precise.  Meaning, we complete all three legs of the race together; 2 mile canoe, 11 mile bike, and 3 mile run.  This will be my mantra - you will have all the endurance and patience you need.  Lets hope so.  I have not done much endurance/cardio training recently, and patience as we work together will also be required.

Tony (Dungy), goes on to reflect on this passage and the "look at me" attitude often seen in professional sports these days, as well as in past greats.  This "look at me" attitude can have many different outcomes, but most often it isn't very appealing; causing us to be depicted as self centered and prideful.

I can't really think of anywhere in the Bible that proclaims: "Speak highly of yourself, praise yourself."  Rather, whatever field, avenue, or passion we work in, our job is to do the best we can and let our attitude, work ethic, gifts, and skills speak volumes.  As Dungy says, "eventually others will notice, and that will mean much more to us and to them, than if we had to make them notice with our mouths...God honors humility, not pride."  Love that.

This also makes me think of something my dad has always said; "Bring something to the table."  For me, I feel like this is what drives me.  Doing the best I can, letting my attitude, my work ethic, and my gifts (what I bring to the table) speak volumes.  I don't feel like I was ever a vocal leader in any of the leadership roles that I had.  But rather I was a quiet leader, letting my attitude, work ethic, values, loyalty, dependability, and gifts speak to my team mates and peers.

As I grow professionally as a Personal Trainer, I need to remember to keep doing this - as it will pay off in the long run; with clients, peers, and with my own self worth.  It is what I know is right, and I know that (with everything) if I put the time and energy into being my best self...it will pay off.

Plus...I will be strengthened with all his glorious power so I will have all the endurance and patience I need.  So keep on - keepin' on.  Embrace the grind, and adopt humility.