Leading

September 26, 2026

Strength training is an essential part of training for endurance races, such as marathons and triathlons. However, I have always struggled to enjoy strength training. Whenever I hit the gym to do weights, I don’t think I really enjoy it. Some months ago, I found this class at the YMCA called Les Mills Body Pump. This is a full-body, high-repetition weight-training workout where you follow the instructor and exercise as a group. I have been enjoying this exercise and try to attend at least once a week.

The instructor was really good at leading the class, and I have greatly benefited throughout the months. A few weeks ago, we had a substitute instructor, and I learned that a different person can lead to a completely different experience. This instructor made sure you hit all the same muscle groups as the original instructor, but she had a different routine and a different leading voice. It turned out that our original instructor couldn’t teach for several weeks, so we had two more substitutes. During this time, I experienced four different instructors. All of them had different routines and styles, and

I enjoyed them all. While they all had different leadership styles and methods, they shared the same goal: to make sure the class got the necessary workout and hit all the muscle groups.

When Jesus returned to heaven, He sent us the Holy Spirit. To this, Jesus said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7. I am sure the disciples were uncertain when they realized Jesus would return to heaven, but Jesus didn’t leave them by themselves. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, He said, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority,but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 16:13. Jesus and the Holy Spirit (and the Father) had the same objective: to lead us into all truth. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit and we can truly seek Him and depend on Him.