Go Till the Rest

 During my weekly Tabata class the sound of these words occur several times - 3,2,1 Begin. 

Tabata is a fitness routine consisting of 20 second intervals of heart pumping cardio exercise, a 10 second rest and then 20 seconds of a strength exercise.

Computer voices countdown to the beginning - 3,2,1 Begin and then count down the ascent -  3, 2,1 Rest. In between the counts, our bodies are pushed to the limit, but we eagerly await that countdown to rest. 

Physical fitness is an investment and the purpose of each class is to become stronger. Going in and simply going through the motions will bring very little change or improvement. 

Recently, one of the ladies in class encouraged us as we awaited the countdown - keep going till you hear 'rest'. Usually, we would end the specific exercise as the countdown began, but she encouraged us to continue the movement past 3, 2 and even 1, until we heard REST. 

It probably amounted to 1 extra second, but the concept was huge. Go to the end and then go one more step. Give it all you got, and then a tiny bit more. 

What if we embraced this concept in our daily lives? Do a good job, then a bit extra. Be thorough, extend yourself, give kindness, grace and embrace a spirit of excellence. Don't stop just because you can, but take one more step. That is how we make a difference! 

For the Christian, Jesus talked about a second mile. "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Matthew 5:41

As a rule, the average person seeks to do less than he is asked to do. In a day of great underachievement in our society, being a second-mile Christian could have a positive effect on others. Christians should never be known as those who do as little as possible or less than what is required. This attitude adjustment is greatly needed among those who profess to know Christ as Savior. Too many want to leave the work for someone else to do. Too often we are more concerned with our personal agenda rather than serving others, which should be our priority. 

When we learn to listen to our Lord’s still, small voice—-when we learn to obey it and rely on His indwelling strength—only then can we consistently do second mile kinds of things. And when we do—people around us see not US—but Jesus Himself. Mel Blackaby writes, “The difference between the first mile and the second mile is a million miles. On the first mile you can stand on your own. You see what YOU could accomplish but nothing more. The second mile looks much different. You’re no longer alone but you can take your stand WITH Christ. You demonstrate that you’re more than a good person; you’re a child of God. As a result people see something different in you—the love of God. The difference is clear: The world sees US on the first mile; they see Christ on the second.”

Let's make the conscious choice each day to finish strong and then go one more step!