I wish you could see what I see

I wish you could see what I see. 

In the years that I have been teaching and especially in the last several months that I’ve been personally training clients, I hear “I’m sorry” a lot.

“I’m sorry you have to see my fat belly, big legs, rolls, etc.”

“I’m sorry.  My stretchmarks are REALLY bad after my pregnancy.  I hope they don’t gross you out.”

“I’m sorry I am so weak and wimpy.”

“I’m sorry I don’t have much energy.”

“I’m sorry.  I can’t do any more repetitions.”

See where I’m going with this?  Do you hear yourself? I wish you could see what I see.  If I am real honest, I do not see “rolls” or stretchmarks.  I see a body.  A body that was fearfully and wonderfully made!*  I see a person that is lucky to have two functioning arms and two functioning legs.  I see a body that is on the right path to a longer, healthier life.  A body that is capable of amazing things.  A body that is getting stronger by the day.  I don’t see a weak body.  Yes, I see that maybe this day isn’t the strongest, but I have admiration.  I admire that they are there to train or take class and push through their so-called weakness and do their best for what their body will allow for that day.  I wish you could see what I see. 
I understand we all have things about our physical appearance that we dislike.  I am so guilty of saying these things about myself.  When I do, I stop and thank the Lord that I can walk and dance and Zumba and shimmy my shoulders, and do one more push-up this week than I could do last week!   

My momma used to tell me that I needed to take off my crap-colored glasses and look at the world through my rose-colored glasses instead.  Actually, she still says that…..

When you look in the mirror, what color are your glasses?  Crappy or rosy?  It’s your choice which pair of glasses you put on each day.

*Psalm 139:14 (NIV)  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

(The Message) I thank you High God – you’re breathtaking!  Body and soul, I am marvelously made!  I worship in adoration – what a creation!