“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:31
They say that outlook is everything. Some people are always asking, “Is the glass half full or half empty?” I just want to know what’s in the glass. I remember a great story about two salesmen. One was sent to the wilds of Africa to sell shoes. He arrived and pretty quickly sent this message to the company headquarters: “Bring me home immediately. No opportunity. No one here wears shoes. Waste of time.” So they brought the guy home. Not wanting to give up, they sent another salesman. This guy arrived on the scene and also quickly sent a message to the company headquarters. It read, “Please respond as quick as you can. Opportunities abound everywhere. Everyone is barefoot and need shoes. Send all that you have…what a future.” Well I guess they are right. It all depends on your outlook.
Like many folks, Judy and I have a treadmill in our home. It sits downstairs where Judy has her office. The treadmill and I on occasion have been very good friends, however, we just don’t see eye to eye. He wants me to get on and walk ferociously and go absolutely nowhere. I prefer to walk outside and actually move. Now if it is pouring down rain or ten degrees below freezing that is fine—we are buds. But on a normal day, well, we just agree to disagree. He thinks we should get together every day. I’m thinking more like only when absolutely necessary. Frankly, and don’t tell him I said this, our relationship was always kinda painful. He sees himself as a path to being healthy…my new BFF. I see him as someone out of one of those torture movies where some guy named Egor is always tightening the screws.
We have a three grandchildren who absolutely adore the treadmill! Often when they visit, one of their constant questions is, “Papa, can we use the treadmill?” It’s like they’re always asking, and I’m not sure why. I try to avoid it, but they seem to embrace it. One day, I asked Judy, “What’s the deal with the treadmill—why do Taylor, Will and Grayson love it so much?” Her idea was that the “no” factor was the reason. Since they often got turned down, they kept asking. Maybe it’s the “thrill” factor, too—the excitement of it all. Or maybe it’s something completely different.
My theory is that instead of seeing it as a device for torture, they see it like a toy—something fun. They’ll turn it down slowly and let it carry them from the front to the back. They’ll see how fast they can go without getting ejected and sometimes, they just walk. Honestly, they don’t use it for its intended purpose (which, by the way, is torture) but as something they can jump on or off, ride (though not for long)—maybe an adventure.
I’m probably stretching it here, but I just wonder if I changed my attitude about my friend the treadmill, would we enjoy our times together more? What if I saw him as a partner and convenience, not the enemy? It probably doesn’t matter much to him since he’s just an inanimate object getting walked on, but it would definitely be good for me. I’m pretty consistent with my exercise, but on those hot summer mornings ahead, my friend could help me stay healthy. He fulfills his purpose (which, by the way, is not to hang clothes on), and I make Judy happy by walking even more. How about that?
How we look at things can really make a difference. When we focus on the good side instead of the bad, it can not only change how we feel but also help us grow as people. It might even change how we see God. Too often, we think of Him as someone who wants to hurt us, but He’s actually there to save us, to help us, and to bless us. The Bible says, “What should we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Can you imagine? The God who made everything wants to be your best friend forever. Like our friend the treadmill, He’s just waiting for us to make time for Him. When we do, we’ll find out that He wants to help us become better versions of ourselves. Give Him a chance. Take a break from the “going nowhere” rat race and trust Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 