Over my birthday weekend in January, my sister-in-law and one of my good friends both thought one of the best ways for me to spend my birthday time was working out with them. My sister-in-law twisted my arm and forced me to do Jillian Michaels leg and back workout–35 minutes of torture. The very next day I woke up and could barely sit down on the toilet.
Then, later that morning, my friend was taking me out for breakfast, but first wanted to go on a run together (this is the friend I did the half marathon with last summer). I thought for sure it would only be a 2-3 mile run since it is the middle of January and cold out. NOPE! We ran through the U.W. Madison Arboretum, which from one end and back is 5 miles! Needless to say, by the end of my birthday weekend I was sore all over! Ha! Now don’t get me wrong, I love to work out, but in the midst of a Wisconsin winter, it is hard to stay motivated and stay true to your workout goals.
Sometimes we can lose sight of our dreams and ambitions when the world and circumstances around distract and/or try to pull us off course; i.e., a cold Wisconsin winter. This is the value of having people in your life who know your goals, potential, gifts and talents, and can hold you accountable and remind you that you can conquer the world (so to speak). I am so thankful for those people in my life who encourage and challenge me–even if I can’t move my muscles for days after being with them.
So, today, wherever you go… “if your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:8
Bethany Conway 
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