a view through annie's eyes

I finally found a gym that works for me. It’s close to home, clean enough, and stocked with the basic workout equipment, and best of all, an indoor pool. What really makes this gym special is its clientele: the kindest group of seniors. Loose t-shirts, black socks with tennis shoes, and a quiet camaraderie fill the space. It’s not about fashion or competition here—it’s about consistency and care. And honestly, it’s perfect.

The gym also has a pool, which I’ve come to love. A few years ago, I struggled with TMJ, and my orthopedist prescribed swimming. He told me the issue could be corrected with a strong core. He was right. Everything in fitness seems to revolve around the “core” these days—and for good reason. A strong core stabilizes the body, improves balance, and enhances flexibility. It’s the foundation for everything else.

And isn’t that true of our spiritual lives too?

Just as our physical bodies weaken without a strong core, our spiritual lives falter without a daily commitment to being fed by God’s Word. Scripture reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV). Our spiritual core—our heart, our soul, our connection to Christ—is the source of our strength, peace, and integrity.

Christian author Dallas Willard once said, “The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it’s who you become. That’s what you will take into eternity.” Building a strong spiritual core isn’t about checking boxes or looking good on the outside. It’s about becoming more like Christ, day by day, through prayer, Scripture, and surrender.

When our spiritual core is strong, we’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges. We’re more flexible in our thinking, more balanced in our emotions, and more resilient in our faith. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That strength doesn’t come from us—it comes from the core of Christ within us.

Author John Ortberg adds, “Spiritual transformation is not a matter of trying harder, but of training wisely.” Just like physical fitness, spiritual growth requires intentionality. It’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence. It’s about showing up, even when we don’t feel like it, and trusting that God is doing a deeper work in us.

I’m thrilled about my gym. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it works for me. After a solid workout, I usually grab a cup of protein-infused coffee and pass by the donut shop on the way home—a little reminder of life’s temptations. It’s a lot like our spiritual journey. We strengthen our core, but we still face distractions. The key is to keep showing up, keep training, and keep our eyes on the One who makes us strong.

So whether you’re lifting weights or lifting prayers, remember: a strong core—physical or spiritual—makes everything else stronger.