What shapes us?

What's on my mind this evening? Shape! In particular, what shapes us - what shapes me? I've been reading Katy Bowman's book “Move Your DNA” and it is an AMAZING book. I highly recommend it (Don't walk - run!). Katy is a Human Biomechanist (I always want to call her a Biomechanic, but I digress). She teaches about the nutritious movement we all need for our bodies to function to their fullest health. It includes 'groundbreaking information with specific instructions for how to live well in your body.' Pretty amazing! It is a book for everyone - really! 

At one point in the book, Katy herself digresses and talks about plant mechanics. She says 'Allow me to share with you my favorite tree-mechanic factoid: Trees are shaped by the wind. Seriously, I mean, tree genes specify the primary shape and color and texture of a tree. These genetically determined outcomes help a biologist classify a tree as a redwood or a manzanita, etc. - but it is the movement of a tree, specifically the all-day, every-day stimulation created by wind, that dictates the girth of a tree's trunk and branches as well as how often and at what angles a tree branches.' Wow - isn't that amazing? When I first read this and got as far as 'trees are shaped by the wind,' my first thought was, 'if wind shapes trees, what shapes me?' Maybe more specifically what do I 'let' shape me? 

In June, I made a decision to step back from the gym and working with my trainer to get re-focused and figure out why I was stuck. I spent some time working with someone on setting some health goals and have begun working in the gym again on my own. Tonight, I was at the gym and right in the middle of doing chest presses it struck me - What shapes me the most are the decisions I make. I realized that planning my workout, going to the gym, and actually getting it done are the result of me making a decision. I realized that if I'm going to meet my goals, I actually need to act as if I already have!!! It won't really last if I do all this work and then reach my goal and stop. The changes I'm making are for life and while I know that, sometimes I keep thinking - boy, I have so far to go, when in reality I'm already there (IF I live or behave like I'm already there). 

One decision I had to make this evening was to NOT let myself be intimidated by all the people (mostly guys) working out all around (it was crowded and since I use a lot of free weights, there are always guys throwing the weights around - snarky, I know, but it's true!), and yet, I've been trained REALLY, REALLY well and I DO know what I'm doing. I have great form and I put together a great workout and while I may not LOOK like it, I'm VERY strong!! And I love that about myself! So I worked out tonight like I had already reached my goals. And I will again and again, until I do and then I'll keep going to get stronger and stronger.

What is shaping me is my decision to do the hard work! I don't know what you are wishing would change about you, or some situation in your life, but sometimes you just have to do the hard work - for yourself and for others. It's like that in our families, our work, and anywhere we feel called to participate in change. Getting there requires effort. The results aren't free!

And so it is in our faith... God reaches out to us for an intimate love relationship with him and is ready, but it requires movement on our part - a step toward God for that relationship to go both ways. It's hard work, but God promises to finish what God starts! I've said it before, but God works and guides us as we are in motion (ah, as does my body change when I'm in motion :), if I don't move toward God in faith, God can't guide my steps (God can't steer a ship in port!). God is NOT a bully who pushes us around, I have a part, too!

If trees are shaped by wind, what shapes you? The answer? Whatever you allow to shape you - the good and the bad. You are shaped by everything you decide to spend time focusing on. I saw a lot of people focused on their cell phones at the gym tonight instead of their workout. And while that may seem like a small thing, it really stood out to me as a reminder of how easy it is to be distracted from our goals. It made me realize that I'm deciding what I'm focusing on and whether or not I'm responding to God's call or taking care of my body (this temple of the Holy Spirit). Living ain't for sissies - that's for sure! Sometimes it just takes guts to move forward. The beauty of it is that our great God is ready to stir our hearts, give us the courage, move our souls and shape us, if we are willing participants. I'm reminded of a tour t-shirt from 2003 that said in little letters "And they laid down their nets and followed Jesus" in between three big words: "Are you available?" 

Thank you Lord, for opening my mind this evening to what shapes me and my part in that. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to do the hard work as I put my body under the pressure of movement, with and without weights, that certainly is shaping my body and my mind, as I yield. Help me to focus on what you are leading me to and accept responsibility for my part in co-creating whatever that is - help me to be available. How thankful I am for trainers, for scientists and for support that encourages me along the way as I seek to be shaped by what might bring you honor and glory. And Lord, grant us all wisdom and grant us courage for the facing of each hour. Amen!