Is it worth it?

Do you ever wonder if little changes you make in your life will make any difference?

I gave up all carbonated beverages about a year ago, but that was because it was activating my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - look it up if you are uniformed). I don't even WANT anything carbonated now that I know how much it wrecks my body and how sick I will be. That made a really big difference in my life and I am so glad I discovered this trigger and eliminated it from my life.

About 5 weeks ago, I decided to join a gym and commit to a more healthy lifestyle. I signed on and had my body fat and muscle mass measured and was given a plan for eating and exercising. I have to admit, I didn't always stick to the plan. The goal was 5 workouts a week. I don't think I ever reached that goal, but I did at least do 3 a week. My eating habits have never been stellar, and they still aren't, but I did at least try to be more healthy in my food choices. It didn't always stick.

Today, I went in for a measurement. I warned my trainer that I tried, but didn't do my best and didn't reach all the goals we had in mind. I did tell her that I felt better and had more energy. I also noticed some of my clothes were getting looser around the waist.

She measured me and said . . .
(May I just say I took a deep breath as I didn't expect much)
You have lost 8 lbs of fat, gained 5 lbs of muscle and have 3% less body fat, 11 pts lost in your thighs and 4 pts lost in the belly

WOW! I guess it is worth it - the early morning workouts, pushing through the pain, sweating, feeling like I'm not doing anything, wondering if it really matters.

This is so true with everything in life. In fighting human trafficking, there may be some dramatic moments, but mostly, the fight is a slow, daily, painful process that doesn't always show results right away. But, we can't give up. We need to keep fighting, sweating, pushing through the barriers, even when we wonder if we are making any difference at all.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Never, ever give up the fight!