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One day I just decided. That’s what it came down to— a decision.

I had healed so much already. I was living vibrantly, and the deep days long passed. But it was time to push myself further out of my comfort zone.

On the first day I thought, “Why in the world am I paying these people to torture me?” The workout pushed me beyond my limits. And I realized quickly that CrossFit is the only public place where it’s totally acceptable for an adult to fall out on the floor. But it felt so good.

To the girl who’s never before considered herself athletic, the real CrossFit “crazies” are incredible. I was awestruck. They can do pull ups, lift their body weights, and accomplish even more craziness like hand-stand push-ups. And they can jump on boxes reaching my knees.

“I want to jump on that box.” Maybe it sounds like a weird goal, but that’s what I wanted to do. It was something easily measurable.

It took about seven months, but the other day, I jumped on the box. And then I jumped on it again about thirty-six more times.

I didn’t even think about it. I just walked right up to it and jumped. Astounded, I proclaimed, “That’s the first time I ever did that!” Lots of blood, sweat, and tears had been shed over the previous months. But I did it.

It was more than a box jump.

• It means that I can do shocking things, all by myself. Me.
• It means accomplishing tasks I never even thought I’d try.
• It means rejoicing in the life I have now.
• It means seeing the reality of beauty out of ashes.
• It means I am not defined by grief.
• It means I can boldly pursue life because God is good.

I wasn’t created to just “get through the week” apathetically passing the time. Sure, jumping on a box may be inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but I can still jump on that box to the glory of Christ.

So what is it for you? What do you need to try?

You are created for so much more.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10 ESV

Abundant life. Overflowing. Satisfied because He satisfies.

Yes, even for those who’ve walked through death.

So, get out there. Jump on that box.

Father, thank You for abundant life. You restore, redeem, and heal. The journey is long and treacherous sometimes, and the days can be hard. But You are good. Because I know Your Son, my life is abundant. It’s abundant regardless of my circumstances. You are good.