As I've mentioned before, I've started working with a personal trainer in a more focused attempt to get in shape.  I did well on my own for a while, losing some 20+ pounds.  But the last 15 have been more of a challenge for me.  I'd lose 5 lbs. and then gain 7 lbs.; I'd lose 7 and then gain 5.  I came to the conclusion that I needed to change up my workouts, but I didn't know who to go about doing that...safely.  Hence, my decision to hire a personal trainer. I knew a trainer would not only hold me accountable to a proper diet but also would push me more than I'd know to push myself.

I couldn't have been more correct! His name is Luke, and he works me like crazy.  He adds an additional 5 or 10 lbs. to my weight load, walks in with a heavier medicine ball...I just never know what he's going to pull next.  What I abhor the most is running laps.  I never have been the running type, even when I was a child.  If THIS girl is running, it's because an insect of some sort has made itself known in my presence, and I'm looking for the nearest escape route.  And on Day 1, he tells me I'm to run 3 laps?!?  "Do you want me to run with you?" Luke asked.  Well, of course I did.  I'd never run a lap before, and I didn't want to go at it alone.  About 1/3 of the way through, I was glad he was beside me.  By that point, I was ready to give up and just walk the rest of the way.  Still, I knew I had to keep up with him, and he just wasn't stopping.  Thursday he pushed me to run 3.5 laps.  Again he asked, "Do you still want me to run with you?"  You'd better believe I said yes.  As long as he was there with me, running beside me, I somehow could find the strength to keeping picking up my feet and putting them down again.  With him next to me, I know I'll make it to the end, even when I don't feel like I will.

The Israelites had a similar inspiration in the Ark of the Covenant.  It represented God's presence and, without it, they were doomed.  David realized the importance of having it when he learned how blessed Obed-edom of Gath became after leaving the Ark at his home.  II Samuel 6:11 reads, "The Ark of the LORD remained there with the family of Obed-edom for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household" (NLT).  When David heard that, he knew he had to retrieve the Ark for the sake of all of Israel.  With it, and in obedience to God, they were on the winning side.  They could accomplish any task or feat, but they needed God with them, beside them every step of the way. 

Next Tuesday, Luke warned me that we're taking it up to 4 laps!  I'm already dreading the "I can't make it" feeling I get during the 2nd lap.  But Luke will be in the lane right beside me, and I will keep up.  Together, we will run 4 laps.