In July my physical and mental health had hit rock bottom and in a moment of clarity and resolve I decided, “I can’t live like this anymore.” I knew I needed to get intentional with working out again, but I also knew I couldn’t do it alone. I’d need help and someone who could guide me on this path.

So, I got a trainer. Since July, I’ve seen her consistently 3x/week and I’ve felt myself getting stronger (mentally and physically), as well as, more flexible and just able to do more. At times, it feels like the process is slow going but that’s usually how this stuff goes. You’ve got to be consistent over a stretch of time. Changes don’t come overnight. MUCH to my despair. 🙂

Working out can be an inspiring atmosphere. You see people doing AMAZING things– like one of the guys at my gym who can lift 700lbs. (Insert big eye emoji here…..haha) The dude is an absolute beast and every time he’s working out I’m in awe he can do what he does. There’s other people at my gym breaking their personal records and putting in the work. Every time I walk into that place I know I’m gonna see someone absolutely killing it because they choose to put in the work.

If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts you know I take inspiration from the world around me and the gym isn’t excluded from that.

Earlier this week, I received a text from a faithful friend of mine. She checks in on me every few days to see how I’m doing and offer whatever kind of encouragement she can and I’m grateful for her. She doesn’t get upset if it takes me a few days to respond or if my only response is a heart emoji. I know she’s always there praying for me and if I’m having a rough day she’ll listen to my woes.

This time, however, she was the one in need of some encouragement and if I were being honest it was a bit humbling to get that text. How could I encourage this spiritual giant? What could I possibly say that would bring light and life to the struggle she brought to me? There was no way after the HUNDREDS of texts she had fielded from me, at some of my darkest hours, would I not even attempt to shower her with love.

But what DO I say?

And as only the Lord can do He dropped a simple word on my heart with a familiar Scripture I had recently heard because she had shared a particular sermon with me a few days earlier. In fact, you’ll be getting a blog post (soon) on those verses but I’m letting them simmer for now.

After I shared that encouragement with her she was thanking me and I reminded her of how many times she had done the very same thing for me. That’s when I was given the picture of the spiritual spotter.

Spotters are commonplace at the gym. People will be lifting or doing a move that they need some extra support on so a spotter is there. Spotters got your back….sometimes quite literally.

Spotters aren’t necessarily stronger than the lifter. The spotter just has a better vantage point, better position and better leverage. Spotters offer strength and support when you’re trying to get the last push.

What I love about this is the fact that a spotter is there while you’re BUILDING your strength. We don’t need spotters because we are weak. We need spotters because we are working on getting stronger!!!

This encourages me greatly because in the moments I’ve needed a spiritual spotter I’ve felt ashamed. If only I was stronger, I could do this alone.

That is a lie. A bold faced lie.

There are going to be times you need a spiritual spotter and there will be times that you ARE the spiritual spotter. That’s one of the beautiful things about relationships/friendships– it’s a give and take.

So, if I can encourage you in this: please, don’t do this life alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t let shame silence you in your struggle. Get yourself a spiritual spotter. Someone who will encourage you and help you hit your goals. Someone who will be there so you don’t fall.

And in turn, I pray you’d be a spiritual spotter, too. Offering your love and support when and how you can.

Together we get stronger.