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Stick with it

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcus McCall
  • 451st AEW Chaplains' office
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  I remember having a conversation with my supervisor when I first came to Kandahar about working out. He said "Marcus, I'm going to the gym everyday and you're invited to go with me." Initially, I was excited about going. I had never lifted weights before so this new experience was exhilarating. Every day we went to the gym like clockwork; "Gettin' it in" as we called it. After about two weeks I began to be very sore and the joy that I had from working out started to fade. I didn't like being in pain every day. It was not enjoyable pushing myself to the limit. I began to complain about how I was feeling to my supervisor, and he responded "I know you're in pain, I'm sore too; but it's all going to be worth it. Just stick with it." Eventually I quit working out with him; actually, I quit working out altogether; but he never stopped. And now 3 months later he looks totally different. His body is in better shape, he's much healthier, and it is an example of what physical fitness should look like. Why? Because he didn't quit.

In hindsight, I could have been just like him. I could've been in top shape. I too could have had more muscles, but I decided that the pain was too much for me and I quit. Many times in life we become so overwhelmed with burdens. There are times when life can be painful and unenjoyable. Not only do most of us work a 12 hour (or more) shift, but many of us are in school, base programs and many other good things that consume our time. And if we are honest with ourselves there are times when we wonder if what we are doing is worth it. So the question is what do you do when you know you've done the right thing, and still haven't gotten any results? Here is the answer: STICK WITH IT!

No pain. No gain.

Even when it seems worthless, even when everything else around you is telling you to quit; don't quit. When my muscles were feeling sore, it was my body's way of letting me know that I was doing the right thing. I stopped because of the pain. When you are feeling pain and agony, sometimes its life's way of letting you know that you are on the right track. You are almost there. Now is not the time to give up on your family, now is not the time to give up on your career, now is not the time to give up on your children, now is not the time to give up on your dreams, and now is not the time to give up on your faith.

This isn't a time for giving up, but this is the time for holding on! You have every reason not to quit. Your future is depending on you hanging in there. God has a plan for your life and even though his plan may entail some things that we don't want to go through; know that it's worth it. These trials are worth it. This pain you are feeling is worth it. Stick with it, don't give up!