{Faith and Fitness}: What Inspires You?

This is my first year to watch The Biggest Loser on NBC and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the changes people are making in their lives. I knew the show was about weight loss and having a healthier future, but I did not realize how much they deal with the inner turmoil that each contestant is facing. They don’t just help them lose weight; they deal with what is causing the “emotional eating.” I love that they are truly changing their future and making sure they don’t end up back where they started.

Through this season I realized how much I get on “kicks.” One day it’s cooking, the next it’s working out, then cleaning and organizing…and so on.  It dawned on me that when I have these moments I throw myself into it completely; I research it, study it, and aim for perfection…but it always leads to failure! I am never able to keep up with the high demands and expectations I set for myself. I always want more; dealing with the surface of my life never seems to be enough.

So, what motivates me now? My mind set is now on dealing with what’s on the inside. How come I don’t hunger for my relationship with the Lord and research Him and study the bible the way I do the other things in my life?  Over the past year I have realized that I am a woman of control, not in a way that you would think, but in a way that I am a perfectionist and if things are going to be done right, then I better do them myself! Living that way puts a damper on my relationship with my fiancé and with the Lord, and that’s not fun for anyone! I end up wearing myself out and driving others crazy! If I am going to fill my deep longing to connect with the Lord then I am going to have to relinquish the control!

I have recently started reading a book called Spirit Hunger, by Gari Meachem, wife of Bobby Meachem, former Yankee short stop and a current coach of the Houston Astros. This book has been great insight on how to let go of control and fall into the arms of Jesus and fill that longing. One thing that she mentions in the books is that “the opposite of love is not hate, it is control.” The control is what is getting in the way of fully loving the Lord and having a deep relationship with Him, longing to learn and know more.

“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly,

My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,

In a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1                                                                                                                                           

Go here to see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness} series.

About the Author: Sarah Vick is the director of Worthy of the Prize Volleyball. She is the assistant volleyball coach at Birdville High Shool, where she also coaches track and teaches special education, life skills. Check out her Advocare site for all of your health and wellness needs and be sure to follow her Fit 4 Life Facebook page for healthy recipes, fitness tips and encouragement as you journey to a healthier lifestyle. Sarah is engaged to B, a Youth Pastor.