the jump

Box jumps.  It's as simple as it sounds.  It's a vertical jump with a box landing.  Years ago, I did these during STEP class and loved them.  Recently, I started working with a trainer and lemme tell ya,  I wasn't doing real box jumps.

So last week when he pulled out the box, I was a little nervous but confident.  The box was about a foot off the ground, and I had to do 10 reps, 5 times during my workout.   I rocked it.  Each time I landed solid in the middle of the box.  I felt powerful and strong.  

So today when I looked at my workout I got excited: 

TRX Rows

TRX Pushups

Box Jumps

Side Squats

Warrior Lunges

Pullups

It wasn't until I got to the bottom of the whiteboard I noticed the red writing: 

50 reps of each.  Do routine 2x. 

Then run to Anthem Way & back.

Riiiiightt.  This man's brain is on a whole 'notha level.  But, I don't question him.  Like ever.  So I proceed with the plan.  As I finish up with the TRX strap I notice he's already set the box out for me.  Except it wasn't the same box I rocked out on the week before.  

It was higher than my knee level--at least 20" tall.  It may as well been a mountain.  I stared at that box for what felt like several minutes psyching myself out.  I don't think I can do this.  What if I hit my shins?  What is he thinking?!  He must've heard my thoughts because he looked at me and with every confidence in the world said, "I know you can do this."  

I stood there a bit longer.  Staring and willing that box to shrink.  Finally, I made the choice.  I jumped.  And you know what?  I didn't die and I didn't wreck my shins.  I landed smack dab in the middle of the box.  I did it again.  And again.  I got through about 15 and he brought over slightly smaller box and propped it up against the bigger one.  "For when you get tired," he said.  And boy did I need it.  But I kept going back to the bigger box.  And as I finished my final 10 reps (on the big'en) I whispered a word with each jump: "I. can. do. all. things. through. Christ. who. strengthens. me."

I did it.  100 box jumps.  This little 5'1" momma of two (and believe me that counts here) finished.  I finished well.  Chad had faith in me and patiently waited for me to realize what he already knew.   That I could do it.  

Today's experience got me thinking about my heavenly father.  God is so patient with me.  He knows my strengths and weaknesses and gently pushes me to become the best version of myself.  He knows I will stress about VBS and that giant medical bill on the counter.  Sometimes I wonder if he's looking down at me smirking and doing a bit of an eye roll--just waiting for me to remember to tap into His power.   

I'm not sure why I must repeat that lesson over and over again.   But I am thankful for His grace when I must.  And maybe one of these days, on my journey to radiant, I'll realize that I've finally learned it.

I've made some progress.

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13  

Even box jumps.