Some days going to the gym takes an extra amount of gumption. Not only from lacking spirit or liveliness but also, early on, totally being out of my comfort zone.

Yet, as I begin my workout, I often spy Ms. Ella. “Hi Ms. Ella,” I holler out with great fervor! And to that greeting, without fail I hear, “Hello Shug!” Such an endearing reference short for Sugar. My heart is warmed and I feel like a little girl again. But most importantly, it brings a smile to my face and I’m revived and strengthened to labor in my activity. There are individuals that God allows your path to cross who bring a refreshing, nurturing sense to the heart and produce a harvest of blessing. Ms. Ella is one of those individuals! Those days when you aren’t thrilled to be going to the gym yet the love this greeting sends provides just the motivation needed. Ms. Ella is also very inspiring in her tireless pursuit of physical activity. She is a faithful member of the gym who turns 79 years young on September 17^th, yet she’s at the gym 6 days out of the week for several hours at a time, sometimes walking up to five miles a day.

No matter our age, we can practice physical activity as well as sowing seeds that show interest in another with a smile, a hug, or some word of praise!

People harvest only what they plant (Galatians 6:7).

³When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.

⁴Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.

⁵In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus [Philippians 2:3–5 (NCV)].

Thank you God for Ms. Ella!