As I (Mark) age, I seem to see things more clearly, especially the little things. Is it because of the years I’ve lived, or am I just a slow train coming? I really don’t know. One thing I have realized on this journey is that each day that passes I long for deeper community. Whether with my wife, family, or friends I long for community, even as an introvert. More importantly I’m discovering I NEED it.
I love reflecting after a class at 413. The first thing I notice as people walk out the door is a smile. I love a smile because it represents so many positive accomplishments. Over the past few weeks I have actually been looking for smiles. I sincerely want the time I have with each person to be one of the best, if not the best, time of their day.
That’s my hope for each one reading this.
I know that’s not always possible and I feel this is why and where the deep down desire kicks in.
This deep down longing we have is called COMMUNITY! It’s being relational with others. It’s where our cups are filled, it’s where we are encouraged, motivated, and pushed to extremes beyond where we can push ourselves.
It’s where life change can truly take place.
I probably heard this somewhere…so I don’t want to take more than 1% credit for it; but, think of community in terms of getting 1% better in all the “-ally’s” of your life.
Q: What makes you better spiritually?
A: Going to church, meeting with a group to discuss faith, and serving others.
Q: What makes you better mentally?
A: Reading, listening to a Podcast, or Ted Talk.
But what about doing these things and then discussing what you discovered with a friend, or co-worker? That would help you retain what you learned so much more. What about emotionally? We all know that isolation is dangerous, especially in times of need or crisis. As an introvert I must guard against this often. But surrounding ourselves with others during challenging or difficult times is always better as they help you through them.
What about physically?
I know some people who join a gym like Planet Fitness, or Anytime Fitness, and workout two (maybe three) times a week and it works for them. I know more people who join a gym like that with all the right intentions, sign an annual contract and workout for about one month. I know even more people, the majority, that don’t workout at all. And honestly, my heart breaks for them. Don’t they know how important physical wellness is? I’m sure they have heard about it at some point, but it may be that it’s too overwhelming because they think and feel they need to do it alone.
Well at 413, we make it known that you don’t have to do it alone. You have incredible coaches and a community who care about YOU…and not just about your physical health but all of the “-ally”s. The coaches want you to succeed in life, to thrive daily in all you do! We do this together; not only in the gym, but also on a trail in a park, or at a local restaurant to name a few places. We want you to know we are in this with you. The journey isn’t just yours but OURs.
If you haven’t joined us, we would you like to know what all this community stuff is about. Just reach out and give us a try and we believe you’ll fall in love with the COMMUNITY at 413 Fit Club.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching”.
Hebrews 10:24-25
I don’t know what day you are looking forward to but please know the community at 413 is all about spurring on and encouraging you to help you thrive until that day is here.