I love going to the gym for so many reasons. It's good for me - body, soul and spirit. Worship music pumping through me while I exhaust my every frustration, anger, disappointment and worry. I am anonymous. Not noteworthy in any way. Middle of the pack. And happy to be.
Tonight as I breezed into the ladies gym (easiest to ensure anonymity and invisibility), I hopped on the treadmill, set my pace, and starting zoning out. I was walking kind of furiously, my mind racing, and I began to get irritated with my "neighbor". She kept glancing over at me. "What, lady?" I thought, "Geez, eyes forward. I'm not here as far as you're concerned." And then, I noticed. She'd glance over at me and hit a button on her treadmill. And repeat. She was aiming to match my pace. I'd turn it up and run a second; she'd turn hers up and walk more briskly. I'd back down, she'd back down. I couldn't help but smile. We women...we're not to be outdone!
But then a stark reality hit me. I'm a pace setter. If you're a leader, that's what you do. Your pace is an example to those around you. They'll modulate their stride in proportion to yours. You've seen it, I'm sure. Sometimes we're the pace setter in an environment and have no idea. Of all the people in this gym, why in the world would this chick want to match my pace!? But yet, she did. If I quit, she'd give herself room to slow down. If I ran, she pushed herself.
Go too fast, our fellow journeyers become discouraged, thinking they can't keep up. They may sit it out.
Go too slow, they'll find the pace monotonous and unambitious, "we'll never get anywhere at this rate". They may look around for someone else's pace to match.
Steady and strong. Regardless of circumstance or opposition. That should be my pace as a leader. Gently turning things up a notch, encouraging those around me toward their personal best. Slowing it down a bit when I see they're trying to catch their breath.
You're a pace setter in your home. When we run rampant and strive, it's evident how those around us will feel: burdened, stressed and inadequate (just like we probably feel). But take it at a manageable, sustainable, faithful pace, carrying peace and composure, and watch your fellow travelers. They seem lighter and more confident. They feel safe with you. They stay by your side longer. They grow.
And eventually, they supersede your pace, toss you a grateful wave and move forward. While your feet keep plodding pavement. Steadily, faithfully.
Every year is another notch. Sometimes it seems no faster - just more of an incline. You're being stretched in ways no one can perceive. But you are being strengthened. And when someone matches, really matches, that pace...then the strength you're gaining becomes theirs as well.
Press on. Pray for a second wind. Get refreshed and get back on pace. I've got to do whatever it takes. There are still people waiting to hear the Good News.
"But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy)."
-Paul
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