The Gym

 When you go to a gym on a regular basis, it can be unpleasant at times.  Not a lot of people smiling with joy as they tread along or push weights, or bend this way and that.  The benefits come later, over time.  Prayer and a more selfless lifestyle also have difficulties.  Such is our spiritual gym exercise.  We take time for prayer.  It may be boring or seemingly difficult.  but we discipline ourself to take the daily time.  We try to love when it is difficult.  We try to give when we want to take.  In my tradition, some people go to daily mass during Lent.  They don’t always want to go just as people don’t always want to do their physical workouts.  It is all one day at a time and you are not in charge of the results.  They will come if you work for them.