My New Life As a Trainer!

As you may or may not know, since retiring from the pastorate, I have begun a new journey, a new career—a new life you might say. I have entered the world of personal training. Currently, I am jump starting my own business, “Second Wind Personal Training.” And I am working at a local gym, “The Fort Athletic Club.”  

Of course, it is for me quite a different environment than what I have been used to. For the first time in over 40 years I am working outside of the confines of a church.  I’m now working with a team of trainers who are, for the most part, in their 20’s and 30’s (that makes me quite a bit older than them!), all of whom are in excellent shape—i.e., fit and strong (which of course challenges me!) And, I’m working with clients, most of whom are in their 50’s and 60’s (which is a perfect fit for me), trying to help them reach their fitness goals. Thankfully, everyone I’m working with has been very kind, respectful, encouraging, and helpful, which makes it all a bit easier. 

Sometimes, however, I step back and ask God, “What am I doing here?” After all, it is all so different for me.  But I’ve been praying that my time spent at the gym and working with clients would be about something more than just the training. I’ve been asking God to use me as a blessing to those with whom I am coming into contact day after day. I am praying that in the same way I’ve pastored people within the churches I’ve served—and hopefully blessed them—that I might be a pastor and a blessing to those within this new phase of my life. 

Well, a couple of weeks ago, one of the young trainers introduced me as “Pastor Tim” to one of his clients. When I said, “You can just call me Tim,” he responded, “I’m calling you Pastor Tim. After all, we all need a pastor!”  And last Sunday, as I preached at a church nearby, I found out afterwards that a few of the employees had either attended the church service to hear me preach (including the CEO!) or were watching and listening via the church’s livestream. I was a bit beyond belief. 

I think of God’s words to Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2 – NIV) That is, God’s promise to bless Abraham was not just for the sake of Abraham. More importantly, Abraham’s blessing was that he might be a great blessing to the world at large. He was blessed to be a blessing. 

My prayer is that such would be the case through my life—that as I embark on this new journey, I would be used by God to bring about his blessing in the lives of others.  And I pray that you too would know the blessing of God upon your life, not for your own sake, but that you might be a great blessing to those around you.  

Be blessed to be a blessing…and have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris