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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Ow! (01/07/10)
At the beginning of a new decade, like many other Americans, my husband and I made a New Year’s resolution to get fit and active. For us that meant watching our portions, cutting out snacks and doing thirty minutes of some kind of activity each day. Easy, realistic and we were on our way. Well, all except for one little problem; I hurt myself. The treadmill quickly got boring for me, and I’m not the type to go run around in the snow; so I did the only logical thing. I downloaded a “Dance Party Cardio Workout” video. The workout was intense. At least, it was more intense than any workout I had ever done. It was also fun. I have always wanted to learn to dance but never had the courage to do so in public. This was my chance. I quickly albeit clumsily learned a few dance steps and prepared myself when the instructor on the video wanted to put it all together “to the beat.” I bent, I twisted, I crossed over, I jumped, I clapped, I snapped my hip too far… “Ow!” After that, I limped. The rest of that day and most of the next was spent tending to my now very sore hip.
Thinking about that crazy day, I somehow can not help but remember what our Savior, Jesus did for us. God knew this world was in bad shape. He knew the only solution was a sacrifice, a perfect sacrifice. So, Jesus came. He was humbled immediately upon his arrival by being born in the resting place of the animals. He lived among us. He labored using his bare hands. He risked his very life to bring truth to a darkened world. He even let himself be crucified. “Ow!” So that we wouldn’t have to, Christ suffered incredible pain. He became our sin therefore setting us free.
Today I’m back to using the treadmill and have found it to be a familiar friend but from time to time I remember those dance moves and the pain that followed and I smile. God saved my life by sending His son to endure my pain and it’s easy to forget what a gift that was. So, I guess if I have to spend a few days limping from time to time to be reminded, I’ll do it.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Colin Swann
01/14/10
A nice interesting story. Spaces between smaller paragraphs would make for easier reading. Take a look at the Masters' challenge writings to get the picture. Colin
Amanda Brogan
01/14/10
A "Dance Cardio Workout" sounds like fun! Hope you've been able to work-out since then without getting hurt too bad. :) I like how you said that if we have to endure a little bit of pain every once in awhile, it's worth it to remind us what Christ did for us. :)
Jan Ackerson
01/18/10
Well-written object lesson; I enjoy your writer's voice.

I've started a class in the FaithWriters forums for Beginner and Intermediate writers. I'd love to see you there--look for "Jan's Writing Basics".

I really like devotionals that include a personal anecdote, like this one.