. . . imitating the cornerstone . . .

Lately, I have been taking time to get a few things right in my life.  Aside from still studying (my life long task), I’ve been focusing on getting fit and healthy.  So, a few days after Labor Day, I joined a gym called 9Round, and have been making an effort to go e.v.e.r.y single day that they’re open.

On my way into the gym this morning, I caught a glimpse of myself in my car’s reflection (yes, I’m that vain 😉 ), and a thought occurred to me.  Actually a series of thoughts, that went along the lines of, “I’m looking pretty good,” and “I’m getting pretty strong,” and “I’ma show ’em, I’ma show ’em . . .” this process of self-inflation, went on for a few more moments, admittedly.

But then another thought occurred to me: “Wait, haven’t I had this thought before?”  More than once, in fact, only to walk into the gym to have my a** handed to me by the trainers and their specifically designed workouts.

And once again, I was left with the realization of why I show up everyday – because I need them.  The trainers, and even the other members working out right along side me.  For me – this healthy life I’m pursuing is not all about me, ironically – and, I can’t do it alone.  I need others, and perhaps some others out there need me.  Without them, I lose motivation and the steam to keep going.  They keep going and it helps me keep going.

However, without the trainers who show up, make up the workouts, and encourage us (read: put us in line when we whine) along the way, going would be pointless.  There would be no direction, and nobody holding it all together -in the sense that a business cannot run without it’s worker bees.  In essence, the trainers keep us all going.

In the same way, I can relate this to my understanding of God, and His influence in my life.  Sometimes I think, “I got this!” And not in the way where one reassures himself in an effort to self-motivate.  But, in the lofty way of thinking that “I can handle life and all its problems on my own.”  The pride of “Me taking care of Me by myself,” and it’s all I can do to keep the plates spinning overhead, while juggling apples, swords, and torches at the same time.

Just like working out, I can absolutely do it alone.  I can do it alone for a little while anyway, but eventually I get burned-out, bored, or just plain complacent.  If I try to go at life alone, without realizing the weight which the cornerstone is bearing for me – I’m misled.  But more than that, I’m really just treading water.

Ephesians 2: 19-22 (HCSB):

19So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. 22You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

According to ye good ‘ole Wikipedia, the cornerstone :  

is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

 

Supporting each other, motivating each other, and realizing where our strength lies- is the key to showing up everyday and succeeding.  When we rely on others and provide motivation and support for others in turn, we are acting in a way that is consistent with the cornerstone.  We are essentially imitating the cornerstone by edifying, or building one another up.

I guess what I mean to say is, without the support of others when it comes to healthy living and habits, I quickly fall into bad habits again, and although it gets easier as I plunge forward, this is truly a daily battle.

And . . . Without the true cornerstone of my life, I fall apart completely.

Imitating the cornerstone is not quite as lofty as thinking, “I got this on my own.”      No. . . . indeed, it’s quite the opposite.  It’s being a vessel used in support of others, while they support you in return.

Just some random thoughts I had today, hopefully they meant something to you as well. 🙂

~ Peace Out Y’all ~

Julie

 

Versos en español: Efesios 2:19-22 (NBLH)