Small Beginnings

I am inspired by Zechariah 4:10 which states:

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.

The commentary in the Life Application Bible says:

Many of the older Jews were disheartened when they realized this new Temple would not match the size and splendor of the previous Temple built during King Solomon’s reign.  But bigger and more beautiful is not always better.  What you do for God may seem small and insignificant at the time, but God rejoices in what is right, not necessarily in what is big.  Be faithful in the small opportunities. Begin where you are and do what you can, and leave the results to God.

  

My first apartment was one room in the basement of a building in a questionable Boston neighborhood.  Today I live in a modest home in a neighborhood where people feel comfortable walking their dogs and jogging at 5:00 am.

My first car was a blue Chevy Chevette

 

This is what I drive now

When I first started working out I looked like this:

I took this picture last weekend:

Here is the progress of my fitness studio

And one day in the not-so-distant future, this space will not be able to hold the client demand and I’ll be moving into a larger facility.

I have had to learn how to shed the need for instant gratification.  Everyone has to start somewhere and I’m at the point where I don’t mind starting small.  At least I’m starting.  There is no such thing as overnight success.  They say that good things come to those that wait.  I say, good things come to those who work their butts off while they wait. 

This has not always been my dream.  For years I have been uncomfortable in my employment.  I wanted to do something that meant something.  I wanted to wake up every day and do something that I enjoyed.  Last year when I was training for the show I loved every minute of it.  I loved waking up at ridiculous hours and driving across town to meet with a trainer and allowing him to torture me, for lack of a better word.  Because I knew that during that one hour I was doing something that would change me for the better.  My trainer changed my life and he will never know exactly how much.  I want to do that for people.  To be able to help someone live a healthier life is my goal.

I have been prayerful in this journey.  It’s not something that I’m doing on a whim.  I asked God for guidance and direction and he has answered my prayer.  I’m not fearful and I have no trepidation regarding this next chapter of my life.  I do not despise my small beginnings.  I’m going to do the work and leave the results to God.