The parking lot was packed and the car key container just inside the door was overflowing. One could tell that the lack of gym visits because of the weather had ignited a firestorm of members to work out this morning. Usually there are those la-te-da’s who seem to sit by idly on the exercise machines as they peck furiously at the face of their cell phones while more than a few of us are chomping to get on with the reason we came to the gym – EXERCISE! As this already begrudging participant sat spinning on the bike while warming the muscles to the notion of activity, I was struck with the idea of looking at my task with the mind of gratitude that I’ve been so keen to laud of late. My world began to change as I moved from impatience to a mind conversation with the Creator. Judgment, anger, impatience, and anxiety about my self-imposed exercise environment dissolved in the light of thankfulness that such an opportunity exists that allows for maintaining stamina and flexibility in the face of fatigue and stiffness. With near amazement the time at the gym flew by as I gathered my gear and set off for my next errand. The rest of the day has followed with the pursuit of gratitude along the way. An occasional stumble into the arms of impatience served as a frosty reminder that the warmth of thankfulness is a more soothing wrap. Gratitude is a more comfortable wrap than the prickly pants of impatience!
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